Arne Slot is paying special attention to Trent Alexander-Arnold in the dressing room. Previously, the Liverpool right-back had made a rather special request. He wanted the Dutch strategist to criticize him, even in front of his teammates.
Alexander-Arnold has asked Slot to point out to him whenever he is being passed by an opponent and considers it unacceptable. It is a harsh approach to help the England star improve. The defender believes that Arne Slot can help him achieve this goal with his attention to detail and experience in improving players.
It's no surprise that attention has been focused on their relationship. Alexander-Arnold has been one of Jurgen Klopp's biggest successes. Klopp had previously opted against signing a new right-back because he had put all his faith in the 1995-born defender. The German has since turned his player into one of the best playmakers in Europe, playing a key role in Liverpool's attacking play.
Notably, in the first three games of the season, Alexander-Arnold was substituted mid-game by Slot. The 25-year-old defender was unhappy when he was substituted against Brentford, causing some concern. In addition, the "Three Lions" player has only 1 year left on his contract with Liverpool. Despite rumors that he could leave on a free transfer, Alexander-Arnold has affirmed his goal is to become the toughest right-back in Europe.
This may feel like a change of identity for Alexander-Arnold. He is renowned for his passing ability and also doubles as a creative passer. Against Bournemouth, with his assist for Luis Diaz, Alexander-Arnold was directly involved in 100 Liverpool goals (19 goals and 81 assists). This is impressive considering he achieved it at a younger age than any player since Steven Gerrard.
Alexander-Arnold is now focusing on his defensive abilities. The England star feels that the strict and disciplined management of Arne Slot has helped him become a more complete player.
“After discussing it, I said I wanted to be the defender that no one wanted to play against in Europe. I wanted the coach to be more strict. Every time a striker got past me, he should say this in the tactics meeting and criticize me in front of everyone,” Alexander-Arnold shared.
The Liverpool right-back has set himself personal targets for each game, including how many times opponents will be dribbled past, how many shots they will have and how many passes they will have. These are standards he has set himself to improve his defensive abilities. Alexander-Arnold knows that many people have commented that he is a good player in attack but very poor in defence.
If Alexander-Arnold is challenging Slot and Liverpool, it is a springboard to help them develop. Klopp has shown his plans for the future by making Alexander-Arnold his vice-captain. The 25-year-old is also happy with a place on the Kop's staff.
