Arne Slot details Trent Alexander-Arnold's new Liverpool role after awkward touchline spat

Liverpool manager Arne Slot lauded the “many qualities” of Trent Alexander-Arnold after the pair appeared to fall out during the 2-0 win over Brentford. The right back was hauled off after 72 minutes and replaced by Connor Bradley, and was seething at being replaced.

An awkward exchange followed, with the Dutchman seemingly having stern words with the player before leaving him to stew.

The 25-year-old had been influential when on the field, taking up a number of advanced positions and showing some classy touches in possession.

After his side made it two Premier League wins from two games, Slot was pressed on what appears a new role for the England international. “I think Trent has many, many qualities. One is his crossing from the side,” he said.

“So if we play him in the midfield he can only pass the ball, which he can still do quite well, but I also want him in dangerous positions in and around the goal. And in crossing positions so he has a lot of freedom to position himself and the rest have to react to it.”

Slot, 45, also denied that Alexander-Arnold had been given set instructions, explaining that instructions will vary depending on the match-up. “It depends how the opposition lines up and how we think we can get the best out of him,” he added.

“We try and influence them (players) as much as we can before the game, me and my staff. We try and see where he can be the free player. He can pass the ball as a six, he can cross the ball as a winger, he can also cross it from the inside and get shots on target. So he’s a difficult one to play against Trent.”

Alexander-Arnold was utilised in midfield at times under Jurgen Klopp, a move replicated by Gareth Southgate at international level. But he was ineffective in that position for the Three Lions at Euro 2024, and lost his place in the starting XI after two group games.

His boss did later address the apparent spat, which saw Alexander-Arnold position himself away from fellow squad members on the bench. And the former Feyenoord boss vowed to continue to look after his squad as they bid to compete domestically and in Europe.

“I understand every player wants to play 90 minutes,” he said. “But the players on the bench from the start were also not really happy with my choices. We have to take care of him because we need him for the whole season.”

Indeed, Slot also took off goalscorers Luis Diaz and Mo Salah before the end, while Diogo Jota was also replaced. His final substitution came in injury time when Ryan Gravenberch made way for Endo.