Liverpool stars Luis Diaz and Harvey Elliott were among the Reds players past and present who made their love of Trent Alexander-Arnold clear after he took his side to the verge of the title. Arne Slot’s side are now one win away from confirming their status of champions.
Sunday’s win over Leicester sent them 13 points clear of closest challengers Arsenal with five games to play. They had looked to be settling for a draw after a stern defensive effort from the Foxes.
But with 14 minutes remaining, Alexander-Arnold smashed the ball home with a fierce half-volley after a corner. That was the game’s only goal and enough to see Liverpool put one hand on the title.
His celebration after the goal has sparked fresh concerns among Liverpool fans that he could depart the club this summer though. Alexander-Arnold tore off his shirt in a passionate display as he raced over to the away fans.
The right-back will see his contract expire at the end of the season and he appears increasingly likely to join Real Madrid on a free transfer. That move would not be popular among his team-mates though.
The England international posted a series of photos from the Leicester win on his Instagram after the game. The caption read: “Special Moments”.
Diaz and Elliott were both quick to reply to Alexander-Arnold’s post. In response, Diaz posted a love heart and a fire emoji, while Elliott replied with four saluting emojis. Curtis Jones, Ryan Gravenberch and former Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson also commented on the post, with Henderson writing: “Special player.”
Alexander-Arnold has repeatedly refused to discuss his future, maintaining that line on Sunday. Following the game, he told Sky Sports : “Like I’ve said all season, I’m not going to speak on my situation, I’m not going to go into details.
“But these days like today are always special: scoring goals, playing, winning games, being close to winning titles as well as being in title races, they are special moments that will live with me forever and I’m glad to be a part of them.
“Being so close to winning the title now and my first game back from injury as well, it was an important game for me. I was excited to be back, I’ve put in a lot of hard work over the last few weeks to get back fit. I’m eager to play and I was happy to contribute with the goal.”
Liverpool boss Arne Slot insisted the focus should be on Alexander-Arnold’s contribution this season rather than on his future. He said: “The headline should be today the goal he scored and not about his contract.
“But what I can say is it would be ridiculous if someone argues his commitment for this club because the work-rate he put in to be back today and make such an important goal, and all the work he has done for this club in all these years he is here.
“No-one – in my opinion – can argue his commitment to this club. But let the headlines be [about] his great goal and not his contract situation. Players with the quality of Trent, you know – you know – these players step up when you most need it.”
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