Liverpool head coach Arne Slot praised vice-captain Trent Alexander-Arnold for his all-round performance against Bournemouth in the 3-0 Anfield victory. The Reds scored two quick goals in the 26th and 28th minutes through Luis Diaz followed by Darwin Nunez’s third.
Trent provided the assist for the 28th-minute goal after making a darting central run and passing it perfectly to Diaz. The England international has enjoyed a fantastic start to the current season apart from the surprise loss against Nottingham Forest.
The loss was the product of complacency that has bothered Liverpool in the past seasons, something they should completely avoid. Liverpool regained their composure in the midweek Champions League opening fixture 0-3 victory over AC Milan at San Siro.
Trent has a pivotal role in the senior squad as one of their best playmakers and also as a locker-room leader. The 25-year-old is playing in the last year of his current contract with Liverpool fans hoping for a quick resolution.
Real Madrid are using their sneaky tactics that lured Kylian Mbappe, hoping that they can sign the Englishman for free. Trent is currently earning £180,000 per week with a new one potentially making him one of the club’s highest earners.
Speaking to BBC MOTD, Slot highlighted the influence of Trent in both the offensive and defensive phases of the game. He said:
“I’m not surprised he is involved in so many goals because his quality is outstanding but what I also liked today was how he defended. If he can combine those two things he makes me really happy.”
Apart from his assist, Trent had 75 touches with 77% passing accuracy, involving four out of eight accurate long balls. The 25-year-old made two key passes, 100% successful dribble attempts and won six out of 13 ground duels against Bournemouth.
Furthermore, he made three interceptions and four tackles while displaying immense improvement in the defensive phases, silencing past criticism. The Englishman is thriving under the new tactics under Slot compared to how Liverpool played under legendary manager Jurgen Klopp.
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While both managers are genius in their own ways, Slot’s style emphasizes calmness and efficiency which leaves less space. The gaps between the defensive third played a big antagonistic role against Trent as opponents regularly exposed him. Without those gaps, Liverpool are more stable defensively and it allows the vice-captain to play according to his strengths.
