Trent Alexander-Arnold has faced a tough week, marked by a subpar performance and criticism linking his display to speculation about a potential move to Real Madrid.
In his press conference before the match against Tottenham, Arne Slot addressed the criticism of the full-back, saying: “There were areas I needed to show him for improvement – that’s standard after every game. I didn’t single out Trent. For example, look at the second goal we conceded; Macca could have defended the cut-back better.”
This wasn’t intended as direct criticism of Alexis Mac Allister but rather an example of how the team could have handled certain moments more effectively.
Mac Allister, who many considered one of the standout players during the 2-2 draw, may feel frustrated by being highlighted. Fans, too, might see this as unfair, especially after Roy Keane described Alexander-Arnold’s defending as “schoolboy stuff,” reinforcing the notion that his performance fell below expectations.
After the game, the head coach defended Alexander-Arnold, dismissing claims that off-field distractions affected his focus, though some fans may remain unconvinced.
Now, the responsibility lies with both players to respond positively on the pitch, whether in the Carabao Cup, FA Cup, or upcoming Premier League fixtures.
Having performed impressively in the first half of the season and achieved a strong position, it’s crucial that speculation and performance dips don’t disrupt the team’s momentum.
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