Trent Alexander-Arnold, the 25-year-old Liverpool defender, is currently in the final year of his contract at Anfield and feels that the perception of him being a better attacker than defender is “harsh.” The talented youth product from Liverpool has been linked with a potential move to Real Madrid but is currently focused on improving his defensive skills under the guidance of new manager Slot, who has recently taken over from Jurgen Klopp.
Following Liverpool’s convincing 3-0 victory against Bournemouth on Saturday, Alexander-Arnold shared his ambitions with Slot, stating that he wants to become “the defender that no one wants to come up against in Europe.” He emphasized the importance of setting high standards and holding himself accountable for his defensive performance. Alexander-Arnold noted that they had agreed that Slot would be tough on him, calling out any instances where an attacker manages to get past him during team and individual meetings.
Slot, addressing the media on the eve of Liverpool’s League Cup third-round clash against West Ham, praised Alexander-Arnold’s capabilities. He stated, “It’s clear to me that he has been a good defender all his life.” Slot acknowledged that while Alexander-Arnold excels with the ball, his defensive qualities often go unnoticed due to the focus on his attacking prowess.
The manager highlighted that the challenge for Alexander-Arnold lies in maintaining 100 percent concentration throughout the match, regardless of the ball’s location. “This is what we talk about a lot,” Slot explained, emphasizing the need for Alexander-Arnold to remain active and engaged in every situation on the field, even when the action is happening away from him.
Slot clarified that his coaching approach is not about teaching Alexander-Arnold how to defend from scratch, given the player’s impressive track record, including winning the Premier League and the Champions League. Instead, the focus is on helping him understand the nuances of playing the best possible game and ensuring he is aware of what is necessary in various defensive scenarios.
As Alexander-Arnold continues to adapt to Slot’s coaching style, there is a growing optimism around his development as a defender. His willingness to embrace constructive criticism and strive for improvement reflects a commitment to his role within the team, demonstrating his desire to enhance Liverpool’s defensive capabilities as they progress through the season.
The upcoming match against West Ham provides an opportunity for Alexander-Arnold to showcase his development and determination to meet the challenges set forth by Slot. With the manager’s support and a focus on refining his defensive skills, Alexander-Arnold is poised to become an even more formidable presence on the field.
