Slot on Alexander-Arnold substitution: ‘I was really happy with the choice I made’ | OneFootball

Liverpool manager Arne Slot says he was satisfied with his decision to substitute Trent Alexander-Arnold during his side’s 2-0 win against Brentford.

The Englishman went off to a standing ovation after another excellent display. His energy and finesse is what the Anfield faithful pay to see, making him a natural fit for Arne Slot’s expansive style of play.

Questions are often asked of his defensive discipline, but the Englishman shut out Brentford winger Keane Lewis-Potter on numerous occasions when asked in the first half.

Slot trusts Alexander-Arnold, defensively and in possession, where Liverpool’s number 66 is given the freedom to roam, finding himself bursting down the left-hand flank midway into the second half at one point.

Moments before he was replaced by Conor Bradley just after the 70th minute, the full-back hit the woodwork from an in-swinging corner, a show of his outrageous delivery.

Alexander-Arnold looked unhappy when he was taken off, but the most worrying thing for Slot regarding his player is the fact he has entered into the final 12 months of his current contract, leaving him free to talk to clubs in the new year should no deal be agreed with Liverpool.

Talk of a move to join up with Jude Bellingham at Real Madrid, a player the right back has a good relationship with, surfaced throughout the summer, but Anfield looks to be the home for him.

He still has so much to offer a club where he has won the Premier League and Champions League. With Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk both into their 30s and their futures also uncertain, Alexander-Arnold should be put at the forefront of Slot’s project.

The club simply can’t allow him to leave, not for free. Not for any price. Since the departure of Klopp, Alexander-Arnold is the link between the fanbase and the team.

When he spoke to journalists post-match on his decision to take Alexander-Arnold off, Slot said: “I understand his reaction. Every player wants to play 90 minutes. I was really happy with the choice I made.

“Trent came back from the national team where in the beginning, he played a lot. We have to take care of him because we need him for the whole season, not just the first two games. He played a good game.”