Liverpool boss Arne Slot is enjoying a superb maiden season at Anfield with the Reds flying high in the Premier League, Champions League and Carabao Cup.
However, Liverpool have some pressing issues off the field, with three of their star players set to be out of contract at the end of the season.
Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold are all out of contract next summer and there haven’t been any significant updates with regards to renewals.
Slot, speaking at his pre-match press conference ahead of the Tottenham game, spoke about something Alexander-Arnold has done that he’s “definitely” a fan of.
Trent Alexander-Arnold of Liverpool shakes hands with Arne Slot, Manager of Liverpool, after being substituted during the UEFA Champions League 202...
Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images
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Liverpool boss Arne Slot likes Trent Alexander-Arnold ambition
Alexander-Arnold, who has been linked with Real Madrid, recently gave an interview in which he outlined his desire to go down in history as one of the best right-backs of all time.
When asked about what else he wants to achieve in his career, he told Men in Blazers: “Of course winning more trophies, but I think on a personal level it’s a legacy, building a legacy.
Pressed on what the legacy would be, he said: “Just being spoken about in the highest regard, especially after you’ve finished.
“So I think in 10, 15 years, if I’m spoken about as one of the best right-backs or the best right-back, then that’s what I’m playing for I think and using as motivation.”
Arne Slot was asked about Alexander-Arnold’s comments and he said, as per the Liverpool media team: “I definitely like this in a player, I think this is something every player must have if you play at this level.
“If you don’t have this, you probably don’t play at this level.
“As long as they understand they need the team to be special as an individual, as long as they put the team first and as a result of that be special themselves. That is what they all do, including Trent. All the top players have this, they want to be special, they want to be the best.
“If that’s not what you have I think it is so hard to put the effort in to stay fit, to play, to be good every three days.
“You always see them during the game and then you probably feel like, ‘What a life these players have’ – and that is true, they have a great life but they have to put a lot of work in to be able to be at their best every three days. That’s not given to everyone, that mentality and that discipline.
“Therefore, that’s the mentality of a top player and part of that is that you need and want to be the best possible player in your position, or the best player in the world.”
As well as Real Madrid, Manchester City are said to be keen on Alexander-Arnold, who came through the ranks at Liverpool and has made 330 appearances for the Reds.
Carragher issues warning to Alexander-Arnold
Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher has warned Alexander-Arnold that the Anfield faithful may find it hard to see him as a club legend if he leaves for Real Madrid on a free this summer.
Writing in The Telegraph, he said: “As a local lad, you are always treated differently. We saw it with Steven Gerrard.
“Even contemplating leaving for Chelsea on two occasions in his career temporarily damaged his relationship with Liverpool fans. Was it fair? It was simply the reality with a passionate, tribal fan base.
“My teammate Michael Owen had one year left on his contract when he joined Real from Liverpool in 2004.
“He too was in a struggling Liverpool team with a new manager coming in – Rafael Benitez – and a good deal of uncertainty.
“Again Real paid only £8million for a footballer who was worth much more.
“Michael’s time at Manchester United later in his career would have done more damage to his legacy but still – the terms of his departure to Real did not help.”
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