Liverpool boss Arne Slot has slammed those who have questioned the commitment of Trent Alexander-Arnold to the club amidst speculation he will join Real Madrid.
The Reds emerged as 1-0 victors on Sunday against Leicester City, restoring their 13-point lead at the top of the table and moving to within one win of the title.
Alexander-Arnold scored the winner after coming on as a late substitute, but the right-back refused to be drawn on his future following the full-time whistle, declining to provide an update on whether he will extend his expiring contract.
In the aftermath of the victory, Slot defended his vice-captain and brushed off suggestions that he is not committed to the club, saying: "The headline today should be the goal he scored and not about his contract but it would be ridiculous if someone argues his commitment for this club.
"The work rate he puts in. No one can argue his commitment to this club but the headlines should be his great goal and not his contract. I don't think [the goal] only meant a lot for him, [but] for everyone who loves Liverpool. A big moment and big players like to have big moments in their career. Virgil had one last week. Players of the quality of Trent, you know these players step up when most needed."
Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah were also out of contract at the end of the season, but the duo signed two-year extensions to keep them at Anfield, whereas Alexander-Arnold has routinely been linked with a move to Spanish giants Real Madrid.
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Is Bradley ready to step into Alexander-Arnold's shoes?
Conor Bradley started as the Reds' right-back against Leicester and struggled to deal with winger Stephy Mavididi before he was eventually replaced by the match winner with 19 minutes to go.
The Northern Irishman does not possess Alexander-Arnold's passing ability, but he is able to create space for Salah on the right flank by dragging markers away from the Egyptian.
However, Liverpool are likely to encounter issues during buildup phases without Alexander-Arnold considering Bradley can at times be limited with the ball at his feet.
It should also be noted that the 21-year-old has frequently been beset by injuries given he has missed 47 games since the beginning of 2023-24, and asking him to become the team's first-choice right-back could cause further damage to his body.
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Should Alexander-Arnold play in the final weeks of the season?
There is no doubting that as things stand, Liverpool are a better team with Alexander-Arnold in the side and under normal circumstances, his place in the XI would not be up for debate.
Considering the Reds only need one more win to claim the title, perhaps Slot could provide Bradley with minutes on the right side of defence.
Additionally, if Alexander-Arnold has privately indicated that he will leave the club, it may be sensible to get the team used to playing without him ahead of the 2025-26 campaign.
Lewis Nolan
