Van Dijk Defends Alexander-Arnold Amid Criticism

Posted : 06 January 2025

Virgil van Dijk has come to the defense of Trent Alexander-Arnold following his subpar performance against Manchester United in the 2-2 draw at Anfield, dismissing suggestions that the ongoing speculation about Alexander-Arnold's future is affecting his play.

The right-back was blamed for Lisandro Martinez’s opening goal and fell below his usual high standards during the match, which added fuel to the debate over his long-term commitment to Liverpool.

With his contract expiring at the end of the season, Alexander-Arnold has been the subject of interest from clubs like Real Madrid, though Liverpool has reportedly rejected any bid from the Spanish giants.

After the game, former Manchester United captain Roy Keane criticized Alexander-Arnold’s defensive performance, questioning his potential move to Real Madrid given his errors on the field. Keane’s comments were harsh, suggesting that Alexander-Arnold's defending was subpar and mocking the idea of him moving to the Spanish side.

The backlash even prompted a tongue-in-cheek response from fourth-tier Tranmere Rovers, who humorously rejected Keane’s remarks by posting a picture of their own full-back with a message poking fun at the suggestion of Alexander-Arnold joining them.

Gary Neville, another former United player, also weighed in, suggesting that the rumors surrounding Real Madrid’s interest could have contributed to Alexander-Arnold's lackluster display. He speculated that the pressure and the timing of the speculation may have unnerved him, affecting his passing and defensive decision-making.

Despite these concerns, Liverpool remains keen to extend Alexander-Arnold’s contract, though his ability to leave on a free transfer at the end of the season remains a pressing issue for the club.

Van Dijk, who is also out of contract at the end of the season, expressed confidence that Alexander-Arnold would be able to focus on his performance amid the distraction of transfer rumors. The Liverpool captain emphasized that Alexander-Arnold has a strong support system, including his family and teammates, to help him navigate this challenging period.

Van Dijk reiterated that the main priority for Alexander-Arnold, like the rest of the squad, is to perform at the highest level, dismissing the notion that transfer speculation was the true source of the distraction.

Van Dijk Defends Alexander-Arnold Amid Criticism

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