Trent Alexander-Arnold has praised the leadership qualities shown by Liverpool skipper Virgil van Dijk in the wake of Jurgen Klopp‘s decision to step down as Reds manager at the end of the season.

Klopp shocked the footballing world when he made the announcement in January, as it signalled an end to his era-defying nine-year reign as Anfield boss.

But while Klopp’s announcement may have been a shock to the Liverpool fans, Trent Alexander-Arnold has revealed how it’s become a motivation for the players – largely thanks to some inspiring words from their captain.

Asked by Jamie Carragher in an interview with The Athletic if the dressing room wanted to end on a high for the German boss, Alexander-Arnold agreed and put it down to some inspirational words from Virgil van Dijk.

‘100 per cent. That was something that Virgil (van Dijk) said to us all after Jurgen had told us,’ the Liverpool star explained.

Trent Alexander-Arnold has praised Virgil van Dijk for his reaction to Jurgen Klopp’s departure

The Liverpool skipper wants to end the season on a high to reward Klopp for his time in charge

The German will say goodbye to Liverpool after nine years in charge this summer

‘He said: ‘This is huge news that’s going to rock the footballing world but we can’t let it distract us, we have to use it as motivation.

‘The manager has led us to so much success, he’s enabled us to fulfil our dreams, so we owe it to him to give everything we possibly can to give him the best send-off’.

‘Virg said if people think this is going to make us take our eye off the ball then we need to prove them wrong. It was big news but as professionals, you have to get your head around it quickly and move on.’

Since announcing his departure, Liverpool have gone on an all out attack on four fronts to make sure Klopp’s end’s his reign on a memorable note.

In February they beat Chelsea to win the Carabao Cup, and while Manchester United may have knocked them out of the FA Cup, the remain on course for two further trophies this season.

They play Atalanta in the quarter-finals of the Europa League later this month, and currently lead the way in the Premier League title race.

Alexander-Arnold was in conversation with Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher for The Athletic

Liverpool have already won the Carabao Cup and could win two more trophies this season

The Reds 2-1 win over Brighton on Sunday, and the subsequent goalless draw between title rivals Manchester City and Arsenal, saw them go back to the top of the table, two points ahead of the Gunners.

Their quest to see Klopp win another Premier League title continues on Thursday evening when they welcome Sheffield United to Anfield.

As for who will replace the 56-year-old next season, it looks as though Liverpool are no longer considering Brighton’s Roberto De Zerbi, with Sporting’s Ruben Amorim said to now be the leading contender for the job.