Arne Slott and Trent Alexander-Arnold (Photo by Carl Riesen, Michael Regan/Getty Images)
Liverpool right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold He came under heavy criticism after a poor performance in yesterday's 2-2 draw with Manchester United at Anfield.
The Reds will have to see this as a two-point loss as they were favorites going into the game, only to be surprised by an improved display from Ruben Amorim's side who were out of form.
Alexander-Arnold was one of the players who looked out of form against Manchester United, but James Pearce defended the England international with a position on the X.
Rumors of a big quarrel in the Liverpool dressing room!
See below as Pearce rejects the idea that this was an example of Alexander-Arnold not having his heart in him due to him nearing the end of his Liverpool contract and attracting interest from Real Madrid…
Bad day at Trent Alexander Arnold's office? Undoubtedly.
Evidence that his heart is no longer in it? No chance.#Liverpool He is right to reject Real Madrid's attempts to sign him this month. They still need him between now and May no matter what happenshttps://t.co/GnEsLM8Fj4– James Pearce (@JamesPearceLFC) January 6, 2025
Alexander-Arnold has been mostly a world-class player throughout his Liverpool career, and he has been a key player for them again this season.
Losing the 26-year-old on a free transfer would be a huge blow, but performances like yesterday may convince some fans that he may not end up being the biggest loss.
Trent Alexander-Arnold contract – is it becoming a problem for Liverpool?
Liverpool fans will not be happy to see Alexander-Arnold struggle in such a big game, and Pearce adds in his review for The Athletic that it was an uncharacteristically sub-par display, with too many wayward passes and unwinnable duels.
The piece mentions Real Madrid is confident of signing Alexander-Arnoldalthough it is also suggested that Liverpool still have some hope of convincing him to stay at Anfield.
With Arne Slott's side aiming to win the title and perhaps emerge as Champions League favorites too, they will surely want to put all this distraction off the field as quickly as possible.
Alexander-Arnold may be professional enough to deal with it, Pearce insists, but he is still far from ideal that if he has a poor performance, this will be pinpointed as the reason for it.
