Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has dismissed suggestions that Trent Alexander-Arnold’s underwhelming performance against Manchester United was influenced by speculation surrounding his future.
Alexander-Arnold was at fault for losing possession in the buildup to United’s opening goal during Sunday’s 2-2 Premier League draw at Anfield. He struggled throughout the match and was substituted for Conor Bradley in the 86th minute.
Reports earlier in the week indicated that Liverpool had turned down an approach from Real Madrid regarding a potential January move for Alexander-Arnold, intensifying rumors about his future.
The England international, along with Van Dijk and Mohamed Salah, is in the final year of his contract and will be eligible to negotiate with foreign clubs in January.
Asked if the speculation had affected Alexander-Arnold’s performance, Van Dijk said: “No. I am fine with it.
“Trent has his own people around him, his family and we are there as well.
“He wants to perform in the best way possible like we all do. That is the main focus.”
Van Dijk said in October that talks about extending his deal had started, but after the United game added there was no update on his contract situation.
Salah, who recently said “we are far away from any progress” about his own situation, posted a picture on social media of himself with Alexander-Arnold and Van Dijk during the match at Anfield on Sunday.
Former Manchester United captain Roy Keane told Sky Sports: “There’s talk about him [Alexander-Arnold] going to Real Madrid – the way he’s defending he’s going to Tranmere Rovers after this. He’s got to do better.”
Liverpool manager Arne Slot, who insisted Alexander-Arnold was “fully committed” to the Reds before the United game, said the 26-year-old’s performance “probably wasn’t his best game” but put it down to “the quality” of opposing players Diogo Dalot and Bruno Fernandes.
“I think nine out of 10 people will tell you it [speculation] affected him, but I am one of the 10 that tells you I don’t think that affected him,” said Slot.
“What affected him was that he had to play Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Dalot, who are two starters for Portugal.
“That is more difficult for Trent to play against Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Dalot than the rumours there were during the week.
“That’s my opinion, and probably everybody will tell you it had to do with the rumours. My opinion is different.”