Liverpool manager Arne Slot has waxed lyrical about Trent Alexander-Arnold after his superb goal helped Accrington Stanley to the FA Cup third round.
Alexander-Arnold, out of contract this summer and one of Real Madrid’s top transfer targets, was heavily criticized for his performance in Liverpool’s 2-2 draw with Manchester United, with many believing speculation over his future had affected his state of mind.
But there were no such worries for Alexander-Arnold against League Two Accrington, who fought bravely at Anfield before the Premier League leaders’ quality shone through.
Diogo Jota broke the deadlock for Liverpool after a quick breakaway and the game was all but spoiled by Alexander-Arnold’s terrific long-range goal moments before half-time.
“I could talk about that goal for hours,” Slot said of Alexander-Arnold’s goal. “The biggest compliment Trent could receive was everyone’s reaction. [on Saturday] after the Manchester United match.
“Every player in the world, except maybe a few, has a bad game and that’s completely normal. But as soon as Trent has one, everyone has an opinion on it.
“Maybe it’s because of the contract situation. Without that, I don’t know if people would have reacted the same way. A lot of them were quite harsh on him.”
“I think it was good for Trent to play in our own stadium and feel the welcome from the fans again,” Slot added. “It was special and it can only help him and us.
“If you want to do special things this season, you can do it together, not only with the players, the manager but also with the fans.”
Real Madrid have already seen an approach for Alexander-Arnold rebuffed by Liverpool, with the Merseyside club still hoping their academy graduate will put pen to paper on a new long-term deal.
Alexander-Arnold has, however, expressed his desire to win the Ballon d’Or, with the chances of winning the individual accolade generally being increased by playing for a more illustrious club like Madrid, who have 15 European Cup/Champions League crowns to their name. its assets. to the Liverpool six.
