SLOT: TRENT READY FOR FULL MATCHES

Liverpool manager Arne Slot has expressed confidence that Trent Alexander-Arnold is now ready to play a full 90 minutes, having been substituted early in all three Premier League games so far this season. The right-back has been replaced by 21-year-old Conor Bradley around the 70-80 minute mark in each match, a decision that left Alexander-Arnold visibly frustrated, particularly during Liverpool’s home win against Brentford.

Manchester United legend Paul Scholes suggested that Slot’s body language during Liverpool’s 3-0 win at Old Trafford indicated dissatisfaction with Alexander-Arnold’s performance. Scholes commented on *Stick to Football*, “Every time he gave the ball away, [Slot] was shaking his head. He kept looking away and turning around to his bench.”

However, speaking ahead of Liverpool’s clash with Nottingham Forest, Slot addressed these concerns, confirming that Alexander-Arnold is capable of playing full matches. “He proved he could do 90 minutes,” Slot said, referring to Alexander-Arnold’s impressive performances during the international break under interim England manager Lee Carsley. Slot explained that the decision to substitute the defender in previous games was largely due to fitness concerns and also a desire to give Bradley valuable playing time.

“In the Ipswich game, I saw that he became a bit tired towards the end, but he played two games afterwards, so I think he’s completely ready to play 90. Sometimes it’s also about having a player like Conor Bradley who can do the job really well,” Slot said, emphasizing his need to manage the entire squad, not just individual players.

Alexander-Arnold’s contract is set to expire at the end of the season, raising questions about his future at Anfield. Jamie Carragher, who spent his entire career at Liverpool, pointed out the unique pressures local players face at the club. “I think his situation at Liverpool is really interesting,” Carragher said. “Leaving the club is difficult for local players. With Trent, if he were to leave, it would be different compared to other players like [Steven] Gerrard or [Steve] McManaman.”

Carragher also noted Alexander-Arnold’s visible frustration when substituted early, saying, “Even though he’d only been there for two games, it was a little bit like, ‘who do you think you are?’”

As speculation over Alexander-Arnold’s future continues, Slot’s remarks suggest that the right-back will have more opportunities to prove himself in the upcoming matches, though the manager remains focused on managing the squad as a whole.