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Alexander-Arnold slammed – defended by Van Dijk

The thought travels faster than the baggage, it is said. The critics believe that Trent Alexander-Arnold's weak performance against Manchester United on Sunday has to do with the presumed transfer to Real Madrid. But the right-back is defended by Liverpool's team captain Virgil Van Dijk.

» Published: January 06 2025

Alexander-Arnold slammed – defended by Van Dijk
Photo: Ian Hodgson/AP/TT

Manchester United shook off the worst crisis label with an excellent collective effort at Anfield.

The 2-2 meeting, however, led one or two experts to blame Premier League-leading Liverpool's point loss on right-back Alexander-Arnold.

Roy Keane, the former United legend who now works for Sky Sports, went the furthest. Keane harshly criticized Alexander-Arnold's actions in connection with Lisandro Martínez's beautiful leading goal for United.

They're talking about him going to Real Madrid. The way he's defending, he's on his way to Tranmere Rovers after this. He needs to do better. We're talking about how skilled Trent is offensively, but Trent's defending... good Lord, it's at schoolboy level, thundered Keane.

Tranmere, the club on the other side of the Mersey River and playing in the fourth division, quickly countered on Twitter with a picture of right-back Cameron Norman and the words:

"Trent to Tranmere, Roy? No, we've got what we need, thanks."

Virgil Van Dijk, who like Alexander-Arnold has a contract that expires after this season, stands behind his defensive colleague.

He wants to play as well as possible, like we all do. That's his top priority, says Van Dijk.

Liverpool faces Tottenham in London on Wednesday evening, in the first of two semifinals in the League Cup.

In the second semifinal, Arsenal hosts Newcastle on Tuesday evening.

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By TTThis article has been altered and translated by Sweden Herald

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