After being dropped for the Tottenham game in the midweek on the back of what was an underwhelming performance in defence, Trent Alexander-Arnold remains in the headlines, with a move to Real Madrid constantly being touted.
Evidently, his head coach still has faith in him, and he has made himself clear ahead of Liverpool’s next game.
Arne Slot defends Trent Alexander-Arnold amid defensive woes and Real Madrid links
Speaking ahead of his side’s FA Cup third round game against Accrington Stanley, Liverpool boss Arne Slot defended Trent Alexander-Arnold amidst concerns surrounding his defensive capabilities.
“I do see a certain pattern in the goals we concede but I don’t see the pattern if it is about Trent. Not at all,” said Slot.
“Trent has had one difficult game for us [in Sunday’s 2-2 draw with Manchester United at Anfield] and maybe a few that were OK to good. Mainly, he has had great games when he played for us this season.”
Slot, as quoted by BBC Sport.
Alexander-Arnold was left on the bench for Liverpool’s Carabao Cup semi-final first leg against Tottenham Hotspur, which the Reds lost 1-0. This came on the back of a disappointing performance against Manchester United in the Premier League the weekend before.
Worries are hardly limited to the pitch, with the England international having been linked with an Anfield exit since last summer after entering the final 12 months of his contract.
Real Madrid has been touted as the 26-year-old’s likeliest destination. Liverpool even rejected a January approach from Los Blancos recently.
Alexander-Arnold has one goal and five assists from 25 appearances across all competitions this season.
TKT Opinion
Liverpool’s reluctance to retain Alexander-Arnold has never been evident. Despite being a homegrown player, someone who has already won everything there is to be won at club level with his boyhood side, neither Alexander-Arnold nor Liverpool look keen to continue their marriage.
Liverpool are understandably not willing to match the wages Real Madrid are reportedly offering Alexander-Arnold; they’ve always been savvy that way, and in this stand-off, they have had a timely opportunity to take a step back and ask themselves whether they’d be better off by moving the 26-year-old on.
More Liverpool News
- Alan Smith delivers ‘brilliant’ verdict for Liverpool star despite Tottenham loss
- “If I’m the owner…” – Ex-Chelsea star tells Liverpool what to do about exit bound star
- Liverpool ready to make statement January transfer should ‘opportunity’ arise
We believe they would be. They should let Alexander-Arnold leave for free in the summer and replace him with a more well-rounded right fullback, one who would also almost certainly cost them less in terms of wages.
