Andy Robertson hailed Liverpool team-mate Trent Alexander-Arnold for his efforts at both ends of the pitch in the 1-0 victory over West Ham.

The Reds right-back, 23, notched his 16th assist of the campaign on Saturday — the most he has managed in all competitions in a single season — when his mishit shot was tapped in by Sadio Mane.

But it was a vital goal-line clearance to deny Pablo Fornals not long after Mane’s goal that Robertson felt was Alexander-Arnold's biggest contribution.

He said: "He’s been incredible. The goal-line clearance was special. 

"[He was] slightly out of position to start if I’m going to be critical but his recovery run was incredible — the speed and determination to get back on the line.

"To be honest, we speak a lot about assists but for me that is the most important thing he has done [in the game]. 

"It was really good from him, incredible determination and an incredible goal contribution — long may that continue."

Alexander-Arnold’s right foot has put in plenty of wicked crosses this term — but the England man was not shy to admit his ball for Mane was not deliberate. 

He said: "I think it was a bit of a cross-shot, to be honest.

"That’s what I’ll comment on it. Just try to hit the target and anything can happen — and Sadio has anticipated it well and been able to tuck it in.

"We had a similar one against Atletico Madrid at home earlier in the season, so maybe we need to keep doing that."

With his tongue firmly in his cheek, Robertson added: "The assist was a mishit shot — he’s admitted that at least. 

"Look, 16 assists is incredible but his most important contribution is the clearance off the line because that kept us in the lead and kept us 1-0 up when really it should’ve been a goal." 

Robertson himself is not far behind Alexander-Arnold with 12 assists in all competitions — and he has revealed they like to compete with each other to see who ends up with the most.

The Scotsman, 27, said: "We have a friendly competition. But if both of us are contributing and helping the team win games, that is the most important thing.

"I was delighted when the goal went in, when you take the lead you then want to hang on for the three points. 

"[It was] a good performance from Trent, hopefully he can get to numbers we have never seen before and keep going. 

"There’s still a lot of games to go and he can get an assist when he wants really."