Liverpool manager Arne Slot praised Trent Alexander-Arnold for brushing off criticism over the past week with an influential display in Saturday’s 4-0 FA Cup victory over Accrington Stanley.
The England full-back, who captained the Reds against the League Two outfit, played a swift pass into Darwin Nunez in the build-up to Liverpool’s opener, before doubling their advantage with a thumping strike into the top corner.
The 26-year-old was heavily criticised following last Sunday’s 2-2 Premier League draw at home to Manchester United, who scored both their goals down his right-hand side.
It followed speculation about Alexander-Arnold’s Liverpool future as he is also out of contract in the summer, with Real Madrid reportedly interested in signing him this month, or on a free transfer.
“I could talk for hours about that goal,” said Slot on Alexander-Arnold’s 20-yard effort. “The biggest compliment Trent could get was the reaction of everyone [on Saturday] after the Manchester United game.
“Every player around the world, maybe except for a few, has a bad game and it is completely normal. But the moment Trent has one, everyone has an opinion on it.
“Maybe that is because of the contract situation. If that wasn’t there, I don’t know if people would have reacted in the same way.”
Former Premier League striker Glenn Murray, speaking to Final Score, described Alexander-Arnold’s strike on the stroke of half-time as “Beckham-esque”, referring to similar goals from ex-England captain David Beckham.
“He makes it look so effortless,” said Murray. “His technique is sublime, the way he strikes the ball.”
Alexander-Arnold has been a main target for Beckham’s former club Real Madrid, the current La Liga and European champions, but ex-England goalkeeper Rachel Brown-Finnis said she wouldn’t be surprised if other teams express an interest.
“Real Madrid are one of his suitors, but I think he could go pretty much anywhere he wanted, should he wish to,” she added.