Alexander-Arnold celebration ‘told enough’ about Liverpool future, says Slot

Arne Slot said Trent Alexander-Arnold's celebration after scoring in Liverpool's win over West Ham “said enough” about his commitment to the club.

Alexander-Arnold scored Liverpool's fourth goal in their 5-0 thrashing of the Hammers on Sunday to move them eight points clear of the Premier League summit.

The Reds have now scored more than five goals in consecutive Premier League away games for the first time since October 2021, when they beat Watford and Manchester United 5-0.

Much of the post-match talk focused on the futures of Mohamed Salah, Virgil Van Dijk and especially Alexander-Arnold, who has been the subject of recent speculation.

The England international, who has made 333 appearances in all competitions for Liverpool since his debut in 2016, is being touted for a move to Real Madrid.

After scoring his first goal of the season on Sunday, Alexander-Arnold celebrated by making a talking motion with his hand.

When asked if the noise surrounding Alexander-Arnold was the trio's biggest concern, Slot believes the Alexander-Arnold celebration told everyone everything they needed to know.

“No, I don't think it's negative at all. He plays very well and scored a beautiful goal,” said Slot.

“The way he celebrated his goal probably says it all, so I don't think I need to say much more about that.

“I am very happy with Trent, just as happy as I am with Mo and with Virgil. For me there is no difference.

“To the outside world there may be more going on around Trent with the media than the other two, but I'm happy with all three at the moment.”

All out-of-contract Liverpool stars will be free to discuss pre-contractual deals with foreign sides from early next year.

Salah has been the standout performer for the Reds this season, scoring his 17th Premier League goal of the season, while also taking his assist tally to 13.

He has both scored and assisted in eight different top-flight games for Liverpool this season, the most any player has ever done in a single season in the league.

The Egyptian has also now scored more than 20 goals in all competitions in all eight seasons at Liverpool since his move from Roma in 2017.

Among Premier League players (since 1992-93), only Alan Shearer (10) and Harry Kane (nine) have had more 20-plus goal campaigns than Salah.

Van Dijk was also in commanding form, helping Liverpool keep eight clean sheets (level with Nottingham Forest).

Finally, asked if the January transfer window will change anything at Anfield, the Liverpool boss said talks are guaranteed to take place at this time of the season.

“Not on the inside, but certainly on the outside,” says Slot.

“People are talking about it even more. Not only about these three, but also about other players, because it is a month in which players can also make a transfer.

“So the next month is probably not just about the three, but also about the players we can bring in or those we can leave.

“That's always a thing in August and also in January.”

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