The reason behind Trent Alexander Arnold’s decision to wear the number 66 shirt for Liverpool

The reason why Trent Alexander Arnold wears the number 66 shirt for Liverpool has been revealed.

Back in October 2016, a fresh-faced Alexander Arnold lined up for the first time for Liverpool against Tottenham Hotspur in the EFL Cup.

Wearing the number 66 on his back, he has since developed into one of the finest footballers in European football.

It is normal for a youngster to be given a large number during their first season, but despite becoming a first choice at Anfield, his number remains unchanged.

Liverpool’s kit management coordinator Lee Radcliffe has previously explained why Alexander Arnold wears the number 66.

He told Liverpool’s official website in 2020: “When we get any young lads that come down from the Academy, we always deliberately try to give them a high-ish number.

“We don’t like to give them a low number in case they sort of think they’ve made it straight away, if you know what I mean.”

Radcliffe added: “You pick it out because it’s a free number and it’s around that sort of number you think, ‘We’ll give that out because he’s only just come down’.

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“When you see him now lifting trophies and celebrating with No.66 on the back, it’s a weird feeling and I can’t really describe it. It’s weird to see such a high number and for someone to be happy with it!

“I think he’s that laidback that he’s obviously been given the number and thought, ‘Yeah, that’ll do me. I’ll keep that’, and not realised how iconic it’s become over the years.”

It is likely that Alexander Arnold will continue with the number 66 and make it his own as he continues to develop his game.

In recent matches, the 24-year-old has been deployed in a more advanced midfield role by manager Jurgen Klopp.

The Liverpool boss recently said: “We did that before, but it was not that obvious. But we did that before, we put Trent inside.

“In buildup, Trent played more inside, double six, that’s how it is. You need to get used to it, obviously.”

Alexander Arnold and Liverpool will be back in action this weekend as they host Nottingham Forest at Anfield in the Premier League on Saturday.