Liverpool manager Arne Slot and Trent Alexander-Arnold had words after the defender was hauled off against Brentford. The Reds were leading 2-0 when on the 72 minute mark, when the right back was replaced by Conor Bradley.
The 25-year-old looked distinctly unhappy about being substituted, and sat away from the rest of the bench after leaving the field.
But minutes later, he was approached by his manager, who then appeared to have stern words with the England star.
It wasn’t clear what the Dutchman said, and Alexander-Arnold covered his mouth as he spoke back. And after Slot headed back out to the dugout, the player still looked unhappy as he watched on with his arms folded.
However, Slot seemed anything but concerned when he spoke afterwards on Sky Sports. Asked about the advanced role of Alexander-Arnold, he said: “I think Trent has many, many qualities. One is his crossing from the side.
“So if we only play him in the midfield he can only pass the ball, which he can still do quite well, but I also want him in dangerous positions in and around the goal. And in crossing positions so he has the freedom to express himself.”
The player had produced some classy touches while on the field, with Liverpool ultimately turning in another accomplished display under their new manager. Luis Diaz rounded off a superb counter attack to fire them ahead before the break, with Mo Salah adding a second just two minutes before Bradley was introduced.
But the incident will have concerned fans amid speculation linking Alexander-Arnold to a move away. He’s inside the final 12 months of his contract, and is eligible to leave for free next summer.
And if no new deal is agreed at Anfield, Alexander-Arnold can begin negotiating a move abroad in January. And with Real Madrid reportedly interested in making a move, any sign of discontent will be noted in Spain.
The academy product has made 312 club appearances since breaking into the first team in 2016, scoring 19 times. He played a pivotal role in the club winning the Champions League in 2018/19, before winning the Premier League title the following season.
Liverpool now have six points from six after the win at Ipswich last weekend. Next Sunday, Slot takes his team to Old Trafford to take on Manchester United.
