Virgil van Dijk, the captain of Liverpool, does not think that Trent Alexander-Arnold’s bad performance against Manchester United was caused by the right-back’s anxiety over his future.
Alexander-Arnold struggled in the 2-2 Premier League tie and was replaced by Conor Bradley after 86 minutes after giving away the ball before United took the lead at Anfield on Sunday.
As rumors concerning Alexander-Arnold’s future grew in the week before the game, sources claimed that Liverpool turned down a January attempt from Real Madrid to sign him.
Like Van Dijk and striker Mohamed Salah, the England international’s contract expires in the summer, at which point he is technically free to speak with clubs overseas.
Van Dijk responded, “No,” when asked if Alexander-Arnold’s performance had been impacted by the rumors. I don’t mind at all.
“Trent is surrounded by his own people, including his family and us.
He shares our desire to perform to the best of his abilities. That’s the primary goal.
Although Van Dijk stated in October that negotiations to extend his contract had begun, there was no update on his contract status following the United game.
Alexander-Arnold performance is defended by Slot.
Roy Keane, a former captain of Manchester United, told Sky Sports: “Alexander-Arnold is being rumored to be heading to Real Madrid, but given his defensive style, he’s going to Tranmere Rovers after this. He needs to perform better.
Asserting that Alexander-Arnold was “fully committed” to the Reds prior to the United match, Liverpool manager Arne Slot stated the 26-year-old’s performance “probably wasn’t his best game” but attributed it to “the quality” of the opposition’s Diogo Dalot and Bruno Fernandes.
“I think nine out of 10 people will tell you it [speculation] affected him, but I am one of the 10 that tells you I don’t think that affected him,” Slot said.
The fact that he had to start Diogo Dalot and Bruno Fernandes, two Portugal starters, had an impact on him.
“Trent finds it more challenging to play against Diogo Dalot and Bruno Fernandes than the rumors that circulated over the week.
“That’s what I think, and most people will probably tell you that the rumors were the reason. I have a different viewpoint.
