Arne Slot stated that Trent Alexander-Arnold has been a proficient defender 'all his life,' despite the Liverpool right-back often receiving more acclaim for his offensive contributions. The 25-year-old, whose contract at Anfield is in its final year, feels the perception that he is a superior attacker rather than defender is 'unfair.' The Anfield academy graduate, who has been linked with a move to Real Madrid, believes he is gaining from Slot's guidance, who has just begun his tenure after succeeding Jurgen Klopp.
'We discussed goals and objectives, and I told him that I aspire to be the defender that no one wants to face in Europe,' Alexander-Arnold remarked following Liverpool's 3-0 victory over Bournemouth on Saturday. 'We concurred that he will be strict with me. Any instance where an attacker gets past me, he will point it out in meetings and individual sessions, emphasizing that it must not recur.'
Slot, speaking on Tuesday, the day before Liverpool's League Cup third-round match against struggling West Ham, said: 'It's evident to me that he (Alexander-Arnold) has been a solid defender throughout his career.' However, because he is exceptionally talented with the ball, the primary focus is on his ball-handling skills. I believe with him, it's not about whether he can perform, but rather maintaining a consistent 100 percent focus. That's what we frequently discuss, ensuring he remains engaged in every game situation, even when the ball is not near him.
But it's not as if we or I have taught him to defend in the past three months—he's won the Premier League and the Champions League. It's about helping him grasp all the elements necessary to play at his best.'
