Alexander-Arnold showed off his attacking abilities once more, breaking through to score a beautiful equalizer for the Reds in Saturday’s 1-1 draw at champions Manchester City.

The 25-year-old right-back had spent much of the game in defensive mode, attempting to limit City’s dangerous Belgium winger Jeremy Doku.

It was a beautiful moment for Alexander-Arnold after much speculation over the last fortnight about whether or not he can fit into England’s lineup.

“I think everyone this season, as a defender, one v one against Doku will have a tough afternoon. He’s a very good dribbler.

“But I dont think he had a tough afternoon on the whole. It’s how you defend them together and try to get two v one in situations and, in the end, I’m pleased for him that he got the equaliser.

“He offers a lot defensively and, obviously in possession, he has qualities that are very special and he shows that as well, so he has the complete package.

“He has to keep doing what he’s doing, keep improving, keep that high standard he has for himself and we all have for him as well.”

Alexander-Arnold’s game has evolved over the last year, and he now plays not only as a traditional aggressive full-back but also as a hybrid defense-central midfielder.

His latest England appearances against Malta and North Macedonia were also in midfield, and Van Dijk says he is unsure where he will end up.

“I don’t know, that’s for the coaches that work with him,” said the centre-back.

“I think for the moment he’s playing just fine where he is right now.

“He has that freedom to mix it up and he has to do that because you see teams are working it out at times, so he has to be able to switch from staying on the outside and going on the inside as well.

“I think it’s a good learning curve for him as well and [on Saturday] he did that well because obviously he was playing against one of the most in-form wingers at the moment.”

The success on Saturday left Liverpool within a point of title favourites City, and Van Dijk feels that after the disappointment of failing to challenge last season, the 2020 champions can push them much closer this time.

“It’s no secret that we want to compete in everything we can, and this year we’re looking consistent, which was lacking last year,” the Dutchman remarked.

“But we are in November with a difficult period coming up, difficult games ahead of us.

“Anything can happen but hopefully, if we don’t get many injuries or no injuries, we have to confident and give it everything.”