Nottingham Forest starlet Jordan Gabriel has told The Mirror that Neil Critchley has held a conversation with him about Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold.
The Blackpool boss was responsible for nurturing the Premier League winner, during his time in charge of the Liverpool under-23s.
Gabriel has aspirations of hitting the top himself and next season he’ll hope to become a regular at Forest.
He started the first two games of the 2020/21 campaign but then found himself packed off to Blackpool on loan.
Critchley appears perfect for his development and has discussed the Premier League and Champions League winner with the Forest-owned star.
Gabriel told The Mirror: “He is brilliant he tells you straight.
“We have had conversations about Trent and he knows that is the level I want to get to.
“It’s a big step but I am wiling to put the work in because it’s my dream and goal.
“I’m not going to let anyone stop me. The manager said if Trent can do it, I can too.
“He said he’s got to where he has because of hard work and dedication.
“I need to put the work in too.”
Gabriel aims for the stars
There’s absolutely nothing wrong with Gabriel showing the ambition to try and emulate a player of Alexander-Arnold’s quality.
The £75,000-a-week star is one of Europe’s most exciting right-back and despite his tender years, he has some big medals on his mantlepiece already.
Gabriel has a desire to work hard and prove himself and that can only bode well for Forest.
It seems logical that he will earn a shot at first-team stardom at the City Ground next year and why shouldn’t he.
He’s gone out on loan and played superbly well and that should earn him a chance under Hughton.
If he can achieve half of what the Liverpool star has, Forest will be onto a winner.
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