Paul Scholes has a huge concern over Trent Alexander-Arnold after seeing what Arne Slot did during the game against Manchester United.
Liverpool secured a 3-0 victory, making it three consecutive wins in the Premier League under their new manager. The Reds delivered an impressive performance, but Scholes observed a potential concern regarding Alexander-Arnold.
Alexander-Arnold, who played 75 minutes at Old Trafford, was substituted for the third straight game. Unlike his frustrated demeanor after the Brentford match, he appeared much more content this time.
However, Scholes questioned if manager Slot is overly critical of Alexander-Arnold after noticing his reactions on the bench. On the “Stick to Football” show, Scholes commented that Slot seemed frustrated every time Alexander-Arnold misplaced a pass, often looking away and turning to his bench.
Scholes noted that while Alexander-Arnold attempted long passes, which he is known for, Slot’s body language suggested dissatisfaction. Liverpool legend Carragher agreed, suggesting that Slot might prefer shorter, simpler passes for his team.
He explained: “I think Slot prefers a style of play that minimizes long balls and would like Alexander-Arnold to adapt to that approach.”
While Alexander-Arnold has thrived in a right-back role and dropped into midfield during England’s interim management under Lee Carsley, contributing to victories over the Republic of Ireland and Finland, his future at Liverpool remains uncertain. His contract is set to expire at the end of the season.
Mo Salah and Virgil van Dijk are also in similar contractual situations, but Carragher believes Alexander-Arnold, being an academy product, might face a different outcome.
“I find his situation at Liverpool quite intriguing,” Carragher said. “It seems that leaving Liverpool is particularly challenging if you’re a local player.”
He noted that with key figures like Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk, and Trent Alexander-Arnold all facing contract uncertainty, the reaction from Liverpool supporters towards Alexander-Arnold would likely differ. Carragher compared the situation to past instances involving local players like Steve McManaman and Steven Gerrard, who experienced a shift in fan sentiment.
Carragher also remarked on Alexander-Arnold’s demeanor during his substitution in the first game, suggesting that his apparent unhappiness on the bench, despite having been only briefly involved, might have elicited a reaction of, “Who do you think you are?”
