-Credit:AFP or licensors
Trent Alexander-Arnold has faced heavy criticism over the last few games due to his defensive performances, but Arne Slot has dismissed the suggestion that teams have started to focus play down the right flank.
Alexander-Arnold has been unable to escape the spotlight recently, with the defender still linked with a move to Real Madrid.
With his contract expiring in six months, the homegrown hero is free to talk to non-English clubs and sign a pre-contract agreement to leave for nothing in the summer.
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The belief seems to be that Madrid is the most likely destination for the club’s vice-captain, and while Reds fans have started to turn on him for his lack of commitment to the club, his performances of late haven’t helped his cause.
Against Manchester United, it appeared Ruben Amorim had instructed his team to play down Liverpool’s right, taking advantage of Alexander-Arnold’s lack of defensive ability.
But Slot has denied suggestions teams are taking advantage of Alexander-Arnold, and insisted the focus shouldn’t be on the Liverpool man.
“Might be true – but is that by a big margin? Not by a mile,” he said.
Arne Slot was full of praise for Trent Alexander-Arnold -Credit:Getty Images
“It means we attack that side and they counter-attack, so if it is only 12% difference, I look at how we concede our chances and our goals, they still have to go middle to the goal, so those in the middle have to defend as well.
“I see patterns in the goals we concede but it is not about Trent if that is what you mean?
“I know there is focus on him at the moment, but I highlight how well he did in last half hour and how our fans reacted that is what pleased me even more.”