Trent Alexander-Arnold, the “Grandmaster” of Liverpool, faced Magnus Carlsen, the world chess champion, on Monday.The full-back, who turned 20 on Sunday, was defeated by Carlsen in a five-minute encounter in Manchester that required 17 moves and a checkmate.Playing in the match between World Chess and Kaspersky Lab to promote the upcoming World Chess Championship, Alexander-Arnold expressed his pride with his performance and hoped to encourage more young people to take up the game.”I play chess for fun, so I’m definitely not on his level,” he remarked. “He’s been the sport’s champion for eight years, which is quite a record.” “This whole experience has been eye-opening,” he continued. “It has shown me the similarities between the game and the sport I love, football, as well as how much goes into becoming great at it.”“Despite their apparent differences, football and chess have a lot in common with today’s games.”Even if it might end up being a 1-0 loss, I’ll be working harder in practice, and perhaps we might play again. In contrast to Microsoft founder Bill Gates, who was defeated in nine moves, Alexander-Arnold at least showed that he was a stronger opponent for Carlsen.Two of the most talented young chess players in the nation, Kyan Bui, 12, and Shreyas Royal, 9, mentored the England defender.