In the match against Man United, Trent Alexander-Arnold had a forgettable performance that disappointed many fans. The English defender was criticized for lacking determination, shown through his negligent play and basic mistakes leading to the opponent's goal.
The 26-year-old star's superstitious defensive situation against Bruno Fernandes and Lisandro Martinez in the first goal, as well as his helplessness against Amad Diallo in Man United's 2-2 equalizer, fueled a wave of outrage from fans. Many Liverpool fans have even been outspoken in their criticism and have publicly said they do not want to keep Alexander-Arnold if he wants to leave.
It is undeniable that Alexander-Arnold has been attached to and contributed a lot to The Kop. However, even the most loyal fans find it difficult to defend him after his recent irresponsible performance that affected the whole team.
With Real Madrid offering a £20 million signing for a player whose contract is about to expire, Trent Alexander-Arnold seems unable to maintain his highest focus for Liverpool. Speculation about the future and the appeal of the Spanish royal team have made it difficult for him to maintain stable performance.
It is worth mentioning that the psychological instability of the "Three Lions" players is not only present in words, but is also clearly expressed through body language and playing style. In the 85 minutes of play, he did not make a positive impact, completely contrary to the energy of Conor Bradley, who came on as a replacement in the final minutes of the match.
Arne Slot has faced many questions about his decision to use Alexander-Arnold this time while he always receives the trust of fans. Many opinions say that the defender born in 1998 should have been substituted earlier, especially when clear defensive errors were revealed from the first half.
The Liverpool captain may have to consider letting Bradley take on the role of right-back in the upcoming matches, at least until Alexander-Arnold's future is completely resolved. Continuing to use a player who is in a shaky spirit can have a negative impact on the whole team, especially when the "Red Brigade" is aiming for the championship race.
Having played for Liverpool since he was 6 years old, Alexander-Arnold has always been a symbol of the Merseyside team's loyalty and fighting spirit. However, with Real Madrid's attraction, the English star is facing a difficult decision between becoming a legend at Anfield or challenging himself at the world's biggest team.
Liverpool need to act decisively. First, The Kop should clarify Alexander-Arnold's future, either extend his contract with clear terms, or accept him's departure. It is important to avoid prolonging this situation, because it not only affects the performance of the players but also negatively affects the spirit of the whole team.
Second, if the 26-year-old defender continues to play with an unstable mentality, Arne Slot should consider replacing Bradley at right-back. This not only brings stability to the defense but also sends Alexander-Arnold to realize that no one is allowed to put individuals above the interests of the team.
