Trent Alexander-Arnold returned to the AXA Training Centre on Thursday with a noticeable sense of joy, having impressed during England’s recent wins over the Republic of Ireland and Finland.
As he arrived back at Liverpool’s £50m Kirkby facility, the Liverpool defender received a warm welcome from Arne Slot, who greeted him with praise for his outstanding performances, calling him “man of the match twice.”
Despite a disappointing European Championship where Alexander-Arnold was played out of position and faced criticism from Gareth Southgate, his recent form has been exceptional.
Under interim manager Lee Carsley, Alexander-Arnold has excelled, showcasing his playmaking skills with standout passes, such as a key assist for Anthony Gordon against Ireland and another for Harry Kane against Finland.
Now back in his preferred right-back role for Liverpool, Alexander-Arnold has been pivotal in maintaining a solid defensive record this season, having played five games without conceding. His current form has impressed many, including those who had previously criticized him.
Paul Scholes noted on the Stick to Football podcast that if Pep Guardiola were England’s manager, he would likely feature Alexander-Arnold regularly, suggesting that Southgate’s more cautious approach might limit his opportunities.
Gary Neville shared his astonishment after a lengthy interview with Alexander-Arnold last season, revealing his deep knowledge of football history over the past 20-25 years and his passion for the game.
Despite being critical of Alexander-Arnold’s defensive abilities and questioning his suitability for midfield, Neville was impressed by his extensive understanding and curiosity.
Conversely, Paul Scholes made a puzzling comment, noting that Slot seemed disapproving of Alexander-Arnold’s long passes during a match against Manchester United. Scholes wondered if this dissatisfaction suggested that Slot might not fully appreciate Alexander-Arnold’s abilities.
Jamie Carragher responded sharply, implying that Scholes’s critique might be overly negative and not reflective of Liverpool’s current supportive environment.
Slot’s warm reception of Alexander-Arnold indicated his high regard for the player, and the overall positive mood at Liverpool was clear, as evidenced by Alexander-Arnold’s beaming expression.
