By Daily Sports Nigeria on January 7, 2024

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk, on Monday, defended Trent Alexander-Arnold following his underwhelming performance against Manchester United, dismissing claims that Real Madrid’s reported interest has negatively impacted his teammate.

Alexander-Arnold was at fault for Lisandro Martinez’s opener in Sunday’s 2-2 draw at Anfield, falling short of his usual high standards.
The right-back’s below-par display comes amid ongoing speculation about his future with the Premier League leaders.

The 26-year-old’s contract expires at the end of the season, allowing him to sign a pre-contract agreement with an overseas club. Spanish giants Real Madrid have reportedly made an approach to sign him, but Liverpool are believed to have rejected the bid.

After Sunday’s game, former Manchester United captain Roy Keane criticised Alexander-Arnold’s performance.

“There’s talk about him going to Real Madrid — the way he’s defending, he’s going to Tranmere Rovers after this. He’s got to do better.

“We talk about how brilliant Trent is going forward, but Trent’s defending today. My goodness, it’s like schoolboy stuff,” Keane told Sky Sports.

Fourth-tier Tranmere Rovers responded to Keane’s remark with a light-hearted post on X, featuring a picture of their full-back Cameron Norman alongside the caption, “Trent to Tranmere, Roy? Nah, we’re alright, thanks.”

Former United defender Gary Neville also weighed in, suggesting that speculation over Alexander-Arnold’s future may have been a distraction.

“The supposed bid from Real Madrid is bad timing for him. I think that will have unnerved him. Real Madrid are such a powerful club.

“There are three reasons for that performance — he has played like this before, he just had a bad game, or his mind was affected by all the talk. I thought his passing and forward play was the worst I’ve seen,” Neville said.

Liverpool are still hopeful of persuading Alexander-Arnold to sign a new contract, but he is entitled to leave on a free transfer at the end of the season.

Van Dijk, who is also out of contract at the end of the campaign, expressed confidence in Alexander-Arnold’s ability to handle the distractions as Liverpool continue their push for the quadruple.

“I’m fine with it. Trent has his people around him, his family, and we are there as well. He wants to perform in the best way possible, like we all do.

“That is the main focus. In my opinion — maybe ask him — the distraction is the game itself,” Van Dijk said.

Source Punch Ng

Posted January 7, 2025

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