Arne Slot could force a major change at Liverpool due to contract impasse for immediate action

In a season of overall progress at Liverpool, Trent Alexander-Arnold could have let himself feel that there is still more to come.

The versatile full-back saw his status as Anfield’s creative fulcrum become even more pronounced last April when a tactical change saw him moved to midfield when in possession, and while he produced results, he inevitably put more pressure on on defenders, especially on the right. – half of the center.

As a result, he was a weapon that was used only sporadically in the final months of last season, and a hamstring injury sustained in a standout performance against Aston Villa in September left Alexander- Arnold away for a month.

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Nine assists in all competitions are the England international’s lowest haul since he truly became a first-team star in 2018, and the inability to be named in the same side as Andy Robertson consistently has hurt Liverpool creatively . Just four of those assists have come in the Premier League, which is a remarkably low figure for someone who broke double figures three times and has generally become renowned for his ability to provide.

That said, the total appearance figure of 37 was Alexander-Arnold’s lowest since he made 33 appearances in 2017/18. The inability to get on the pitch, particularly between January and April, has affected both the numbers and the progress Jurgen Klopp’s side have been able to make.

Conor Bradley has emerged as a standout prospect in Alexander-Arnold’s absence and the Northern Irishman has lessened the need for support for his older colleague while providing a real alternative should new head coach Arne Slot want to play The West Derby. defender born higher up the field.

If assists have dipped in recent years, the goalscoring haul has been Alexander-Arnold’s longest in four seasons. A clean strike against Manchester City earned Manchester City an important point, before a wonderful free-kick against Fulham in December was awarded as a Bernd Leno own goal. The No.66 scored a dramatic winner in the same game, before a free-kick in the corresponding fixture at Craven Cottage opened the scoring last month. With a wand at the end of his right foot, more goals from handballs is something he should aim for next season.

The contract issue continues, however, and with just over 12 months left on his terms, Liverpool must be careful not to take Alexander-Arnold’s loyalty and lifelong fan status for granted.

There is certainly ambition in him and while his promotion to vice-captain a year ago was a step in the right direction for him to finally fulfill a childhood dream of captaining the club, the waning months in his current tenure should be a reason for immediate action from new sporting director Richard Hughes, who has already contacted the agents of some Anfield players to introduce themselves.

Alexander-Arnold’s 23/24 season was not an epoch-making one, but at 25, the feeling that his best years are still ahead of him is a tempting one.

Rating at the end of the season: 6