Liverpool head coach Arne Slot has defended Trent Alexander-Arnold and believes the reaction he received after the draw with Manchester United is the “biggest compliment” he could get. Alexander-Arnold was below his usual standards during the 2-2 draw with Liverpool’s rivals and plenty of criticism was aimed in his direction for his performances.

Arne Slot has admitted the ongoing contract uncertainty with Trent Alexander-Arnold could have played a part in post-match criticism of him recently.

Liverpool manager Arne Slot condemned the overblown criticism of Trent Alexander-Arnold as he praised his vice-captain’s response to last week’s performance against Manchester United.

The Liverpool right-back had an afternoon to forget against Manchester United on Sunday, as speculation surrounding his future and a possible move to Real Madrid only intensifies.

Arnold's Liverpool future remains up in the air amid interest from Real Madrid but the Reds defender might look to his manager for inspiration on how to silence the noise

Real Madrid continue to pursue a deal for Trent Alexander-Arnold, whose contract at Liverpool is set to expire at the end of the current season. The Reds have offered their vice-captain a new deal but he's yet to commit his future to the club.

On the pitch, Liverpool’s season has been almost flawless and all should be rosy as Arne Slot continues his record-breaking introduction to English football. However, there is a slight cloud hanging over the Reds’ success this season,

Arne Slot has downplayed concerns about Trent Alexander-Arnold's Liverpool displays. The England international endured a difficult outing during last weekend's 2-2 draw with Manchester United which came amid uncertainty over his long-term future.

The Liverpool right-back impressed after his introduction from the bench and banished the negativity that arose last week in the aftermath of the Manchester United draw

Trent Alexander-Arnold and Mohamed Salah's futures are up in the air as talks over new contracts reportedly stall - but the grass isn't always greener

Diogo Jota pressed his claims for a place in the XI with his immediate impact on Tuesday, but in his pre-match press conference, Slot confirmed the Portuguese forward picked up a niggle during his cameo and was struggling to be fit. Given his recent injury record, risking him from the start would be a potentially flawed move.