Talk of the future had no effect on Trent Alexander-Arnold – Virgil van Dijk
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk does not believe teammate Trent Alexander-Arnold’s poor performance against Manchester United was because the right-back was affected by talks about his future.
Alexander-Arnold gave the ball away before United took the lead at Anfield on Sunday, and struggled in the 2-2 Premier League draw before being replaced by Connor Bradley after 86 minutes.
In the week before the match, sources said that Liverpool rejected Real Madrid’s approach to sign Alexander-Arnold in January as speculation intensified over his future.
England internationals such as Van Dijk and forward Mohamed Salah will be out of contract in the summer and could officially talk to clubs abroad.
Asked whether the speculation had affected Alexander-Arnold’s performances, Van Dijk said: “No. I have no problem with it.
“Trent has his people around him, his family and we’re there too.
“He wants to perform at his best like all of us. That’s the main focus.”
Van Dijk said in October that talks had begun about extending his deal, but there was no update on his contract situation following the United game.
Salah, who recently said of his situation that “we are very far from any progress”, posted a photo of himself with Alexander-Arnold and Van Dijk on social media during Sunday’s match at Anfield.
