Trent Alexander-Arnold appeared visibly frustrated during a tense exchange with manager Arne Slot in the Anfield dugout after being substituted in Liverpool’s 2-0 victory over Brentford.
The Liverpool vice-captain was part of a triple substitution made by Slot shortly after Mohamed Salah netted the Reds’ second goal.
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Conor Bradley replaced Alexander-Arnold, who was later seen slumped in his seat, with Slot seemingly displeased by the player’s reaction.
Alexander-Arnold, currently in the final year of his contract with Liverpool, looked disengaged as he walked back onto the pitch at full-time, despite Diogo Jota’s efforts to lift his spirits.
Notably, this was the second consecutive game where Bradley replaced Alexander-Arnold, having done the same in Liverpool’s opening Premier League win against Ipswich last Saturday.
When questioned about the incident post-match, Slot remarked: “I understand every player wants to play 90 minutes.
“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.”
On Alexander-Arnold’s role in his side, he added: “He has many, many qualities.
“One of them is crosses from the side, so we can play him in midfield, but I also want him in dangerous positions in and around the goal and in crossing positions.
“He has a lot of freedom to position himself and the rest have to react to it, but it also depends how the opposition lines up and where we can get the best out of him.”
“He has the qualities to play the ball as a 6, he can cross the ball as a right winger and he can also come inside to cross and get shots on target, so he’s a difficult one to play against!”
Luis Diaz scored Liverpool’s first goal in the first half and then provided the assist for Mohamed Salah’s second goal
“It was a very nice move [for the first goal],” said the Colombian.
“I always try to help the team in the best way I can.
“We always say to score, for us the numbers are important because we are forwards.
“We live for goals, so I am very happy.
“I am happy for the team, we did a good job which is the important thing.
“Now we try and rest up for what’s to come.”
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