Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has defended Trent Alexander-Arnold after his poor show towards Manchester United, rejecting solutions that Actual Madrid’s curiosity has had a detrimental affect on his teammate.
Alexander-Arnold was at fault for Lisandro Martinez’s opener in Sunday’s 2-2 draw towards Manchester United at Anfield, falling properly beneath his standard excessive requirements.
The proper-back’s sloppy efficiency comes throughout a long-running debate over his future with the Premier League leaders.
The 26-year-old’s contract expires on the finish of the season, which means he can now signal a pre-contract settlement with an abroad membership.
Spanish giants Actual have reportedly made a bid to signal him however Liverpool are believed to have rejected their strategy.
After Sunday’s showdown, former United captain Roy Keane took a swipe at Alexander-Arnold’s error-strewn show.
“There’s speak about him going to Actual Madrid — the way in which he is defending he will Tranmere Rovers after this. He is received to do higher,” Keane advised Sky Sports activities.
“We speak about how sensible Trent goes ahead, however Trent’s defending right this moment. My goodness, it is like schoolboy stuff.”
Fourth-tier Tranmere responded to Keane’s jibe with their very own light-hearted evaluation of Alexander-Arnold.
The membership posted an image of their full-back Cameron Norman on X with the message: “Trent to Tranmere Roy? Nah, we’re alright thanks”.
Former United right-back Gary Neville instructed hypothesis over Alexander-Arnold’s future might have been a distraction.
“The supposed bid from Actual Madrid is unhealthy timing for him,” he mentioned. “I feel that can have unnerved him. Actual Madrid are such a strong membership.
“There are three causes for that efficiency — he has performed like this earlier than, he simply had a foul recreation, or his thoughts was affected by all of the discuss.
“I believed his passing and ahead play was the worst I’ve seen.”
Liverpool nonetheless hope to steer Alexander-Arnold to signal a brand new contract, however he’s entitled to go away on a free switch on the finish of the marketing campaign.
Reds defender Van Dijk, who can be out of contract on the finish of this season, is assured his teammate can deal with the doubtless distracting scenario as Liverpool problem for the quadruple.
Liverpool face Tottenham in London on Wednesday within the first leg of their League Cup semi-final.
“I’m superb with it. Trent has his personal folks round him, his household and we’re there as properly,” Van Dijk mentioned.
“He needs to carry out in one of the best ways potential like all of us do. That’s the principal focus.
“For my part, perhaps ask him, that’s the distraction… the sport.”
