If manager Arne Slot criticises Trent Alexander-Arnold in the Liverpool dressing room, it won't be because of the relationship between the two. Quite the opposite, because the England defender has an unusual request.
Alexander-Arnold wants his coach to criticise him, sometimes in front of his teammates. It could be seen as a plan to help the right-back improve his defensive skills. Alexander-Arnold himself feels that Slot, with his attention to detail, can be of great help to the players.
Alexander-Arnold is one of Jurgen Klopp's best finds at Anfield. The German tactician once decided not to buy a right-back because he trusted the English player. Later, Alexander-Arnold himself reshaped Liverpool's tactics when the full-backs attacked more and drifted into midfield. Currently, the 25-year-old player also plays the role of vice-captain of the "Red Brigade".
Notably, Slot has taken Alexander-Arnold off in each of the first three Premier League games of the season. The 25-year-old was even unhappy when he was substituted against Brentford. Concerns are growing as Alexander-Arnold is in the final year of his contract at Anfield.
However, despite all that skepticism, Alexander-Arnold still has his own ambition: to become an excellent defender in Europe with Liverpool.
It would be a big change for the England international himself. After setting up Luis Diaz’s goal against Bournemouth, Alexander-Arnold has been involved in 100 goals for Liverpool – 19 goals and 81 assists. But the 25-year-old’s focus now is on improving his defence, and under Slot’s guidance, he believes he can do just that.
"We talked about goals and objectives and I said, I want to be the defender that no one wants to play against in Europe. We agreed that Arne Slot would be strict with me. If at any time an attacking player got past me, he would call me out in meetings and say that it couldn't happen.
Even in the game against AC Milan, we had about 20 clips of what I could have done better and the good parts. It's really great to have a manager who will help, guide and teach me how to be a better player" - Alexander Arnold said.
In addition, the Liverpool defender did not forget to commit to the future amid rumors of a move to Real Madrid in January: "I want to be a Liverpool player this season, at least. I have been at the club for 20 years, I have signed 4 or 5 new contracts and none of them were made public. And this time is the same."
It is a great respect that Alexander Arnold has for Liverpool. In addition, this player also does not hide his ambition to become the captain of the "Red Brigade" in the near future. This is the prospect that every fan of The Kop wants to see, but only happens if Alexander Arnold and Liverpool find a common voice in extending.
