"Liverpool’s season is not going to hinge on whether a bang ordinary defender stays" - Arne Slot given Alexander-Arnold advice by Richard Keys
Liverpool manager Arne Slot has been pressed to make firm decisions regarding Trent Alexander-Arnold's future by football pundit Richard Keys. The English sports presenter pulled no punches in his assessment of the ongoing transfer saga of the England defender. He urged the Merseyside club to accept Real Madrid’s reported £20 million offer and put an end to what he described as a ''distraction.''
Alexander-Arnold is among the three first-team players whose contract at Anfield expires at the end of the season along with Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk. He has also been linked with a move to Real Madrid, and the Merseyside club reportedly turned down Los Blancos’ offer to sign Arnold in the ongoing January transfer window.
While the England international has continued to remain a key player for Liverpool in the ongoing season, Richard Keys reckons that the Merseyside club should consider parting ways with the player. He described the 26-year-old as a ''bang ordinary defender'' who won’t play a pivotal role in determining the club’s success this season. The former Sky Sports presenter wrote in his blog (via Metro):
''As for TAA (Trent Alexander-Arnold), there’s not a lot more to say is there? His performance proved that Liverpool should take Madrid’s £20m and settle the on-off transfer saga surrounding him. Clearly, he’s leaving - so bring the issue to a head.
''Never mind all the sentimental mis-guided nonsense being spouted by Liverpool pundits who should know better - get the deal done. Believe me - Liverpool’s season is not going to hinge on whether a bang ordinary ‘defender’ stays or goes. I’m not saying he isn’t a good player - I just think his skill set is better suited to Madrid. Defending is not his strength. And the debate is a distraction.''
Alexander-Arnold has scored one goal and provided five assists for the Reds in 24 appearances this season.
Liverpool boss Arne Slots defends Alexander-Arnold after abysmal display against Manchester United
Trent Alexander-Arnold put in a lackluster performance in Liverpool’s Premier League clash against Manchester United on Sunday, January 5. The English defender had an evening to forget as he was exposed countless times in wide areas and was also partly responsible for the two goals his side conceded.
After the match, the defender came under fire from fans for his uncharacteristic display. However, Slot refused to throw the player under the bus, and highlighted how Manchester United’s strategy of deploying Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Dalot created a two-on-one situation and left Alexander-Arnold exposed.
He told Sky Sports (via 90min):
"Trent has played mostly very good games for the club. Today was not his best game but that had to do with them as well. Sometimes Ryan [Gravenberch] was not close enough to him so it was a two-on-one situation. I would put it more on the quality of [Diogo] Dalot and Bruno Fernandes."
Meanwhile, the Reds are leading the Premier League race this season. They are six points ahead of second-placed Arsenal while having played a game fewer. They are also atop the standings of the revamped Champions League group phase.
