Talk of future did not impact Alexander-Arnold – Van Dijk

Virgil van Dijk, the captain of Liverpool, doesn’t think Trent Alexander-Arnold’s poor performance against Manchester United was the result of talk of his future.

Before United took the lead at Anfield on Sunday, Alexander-Arnold struggled in the 2-2 Premier League draw before being replaced by Conor Bradley after 86 minutes.

As rumors about Alexander-Arnold’s future grew, Liverpool reportedly turned down Real Madrid’s offer to sign him in the week leading up to the game.

The England international, like Van Dijk and forward Mohamed Salah, is out of contract in the summer and can officially talk to clubs from abroad.

Asked if the speculation had affected Alexander-Arnold’s performance, Van Dijk said: “No. I’m happy with it.

“Trent has his own people in front of him, his family, and we are there.”

He says, “He wants to perform the best way possible, just like we all do.” That is the main focus”.

Van Dijk claimed in October that negotiations to extend his contract had already begun, but the United Game added that no update on his contract status had been made.

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.

“For him, Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Dalot, who are both starters for Portugal, were both affected.”

“That’s more challenging for Trent to face Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Dalot than the rumors from the week.