South African teenage starlet Gabriano Shelton, who turns out for Liverpool, is enjoying a development path similar to Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Like Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold, he started as a midfielder before being converted to right-back recently.
Trent Alexander-Arnold transformation
It is well documented that Liverpool coach Jurgen Klopp transformed Trent Alexander-Arnold into a world-class right-back from central midfield.
The Three Lions ace joined Liverpool’s academy when he was six and captained the Under 16 and 18 teams.
Shelton, whose parents hail from the Eastern Cape, is following in his idol’s footsteps as he captains the Under 15 side.
“Trent is one of my Idols. I love how he plays and because he is a local lad and the Scouser in the team. I try to learn from him,” he said.
The 15-year-old says he is fortunate to see the Merseyside’s first team stars “live in front of him at Anfield”, where he usually performs ball-boy duties.
Stay focused
“Trent gave me and my younger brother [El Niño] advice when we did his documentary.
“I was lucky to play the role of younger Trent Alexander-Arnold, and El Niño was chosen to play the role of his brother.
“It was amazing. He told us to enjoy every moment, work hard and stay focused on what we want to achieve,” Shelton told FARPost.
The talented teen also benefited immensely from the legendary Stevie Heighway.
“He is one of my current coaches and has a wealth of experience and played in one of the greatest Liverpool teams in history.
“He gives me so much tips because he made a living destroying fullbacks, so he tells me about positioning and what to look out for against wingers.
“James Milner coached us a couple of weeks ago, and it was amazing. I learnt so much from him because he knows our system like the palm of his hand.”
Shelton is eager to represent South Africa and recently reached out to the national Under 17 coaches.
