Liverpool head coach Arne Slot speaking to Sky Sports
Arne Slot has praised Trent Alexander-Arnold's ambition
Arne Slot has praised Trent Alexander-Arnold's ambition after the Liverpool star said he 'wants to build a legacy' before retiring.
The homegrown Reds defender is widely regarded as one of the top right-backs in the world and has grown into an influential figure at Anfield after progressing through the academy ranks and breaking into the team under Jurgen Klopp.
Alexander-Arnold was named vice-captain by Klopp prior to his departure at the end of last season, however, his future is unclear. The 27-year-old has just over six months remaining on his contract and Spanish giants Real Madrid are lurking with intent.
Speaking to Men in Blazers earlier this week, he was coy about his future but outlined a desire to go down as one of the best right-back's in history, saying: "Of course winning more trophies. But I think on a personal level a legacy, building a legacy. I think that's something that is important.
Jamie Carragher sends frank warning to Trent Alexander-Arnold over Real Madrid transfer
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Alexander-Arnold details personal goal as he's quizzed on next Liverpool move](https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/liverpool-trent-alexander-arnold-future-34348314)
"Being spoken about in the highest regards. I think, especially after you've finished. I think in 10 or 15 years, if I'm spoken about, as one of the best right-backs or the best right-back, then that's what that's what I'm playing for now. I think that's what I'm using as motivation for that."
Those comments were put to Slot during his pre-match press conference ahead of Liverpool's trip to Tottenham on Sunday - and the Dutchman had no hesitation in praising Alexander-Arnold's outlook.
The Liverpool chief said: "I like this in a player! Everyone must have it at this level and if you don't have that you don't play at this level. But they have to put the team first and they all do it, including Trent. All the top players have this; they want to be special and be the best, to stay fit.
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Alexander-Arnold, who has been linked with a transfer to Real Madrid, wants to go down as one of the best right-backs in history (
Image:
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"The players have a great life but they have to put a lot of work in to be at their best every three days and that is the mentality of a top player. That is what you need to be the best player."
Liverpool are currently sweating on Alexander-Arnold's status heading into the January transfer window, where he will be free to speak with interested clubs from overseas regarding a potential free transfer next summer.
But Alexander-Arnold has been warned by Jamie Carragher that Liverpool fans would find such a move 'hard to accept'. Writing in The Telegraph, he said: "That is the biggest issue for Trent – the free transfer. As with Macca [Steve McManaman] the supporters will feel that the club are losing an £80million player for nothing, and they will not like it. My advice to Trent would be to sign a new deal, with a reasonable buyout clause, that will give the club some value if Real or anyone else decide to meet it.
"The fans’ attitude towards Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk, both also out of contract in the summer, is not the same as it is for Trent. There are lots of reasons for that but a big part of that is the local-boy factor. The feeling is that playing for Liverpool should be the ultimate ambition for a Liverpool lad. It was that way for Macca, Michael, Stevie and myself and it will be the same for Trent and Curtis Jones."
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