Van Dijk defends Alexander-Arnold after poor performance against Man Utd

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has dismissed speculation that Trent Alexander-Arnold’s future has affected the right-back’s performance against Manchester United on Sunday.

Alexander-Arnold struggled during the 2-2 draw, giving the ball away in the build-up to United’s opening goal and failing to make a meaningful impact before being replaced by Conor Bradley in the 86th minute.

In the days leading up to the game, reports emerged that Liverpool had rejected an approach from Real Madrid, who were interested in signing the England international during the January transfer window.

This increased speculation about the defender’s future, especially considering that his contract expires in the summer.

Despite the rumours, van Dijk insisted the 25-year-old’s performance was unaffected by off-field distractions.

When asked if Alexander-Arnold was affected by the transfer speculation, van Dijk said: “No. I agree with that.

Mohamed Salah posted this photo of himself, Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold…

What does that mean? 👀 #BBCFootball pic.twitter.com/OZge8aSgkI

— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) January 6, 2025

“Trent has his people around him, his family, and we are there too.

“He wants to perform in the best possible way, like all of us. That’s the main focus.”

The speculation surrounding Alexander-Arnold is part of a wider narrative at Liverpool, with Van Dijk and Mohamed Salah also approaching the final months of their contracts.

All three will be able to negotiate with foreign clubs at the beginning of this month.

Van Dijk previously said in October that talks had begun over a contract extension, but revealed after the United game that there were no new developments regarding his situation.

Salah, meanwhile, recently admitted that negotiations on a new agreement are far from progress. “We are far from any progress,” Salah said earlier this month.

Despite ongoing concerns over his contract and transfer rumours, Salah posted a photo on social media after Sunday’s game of himself alongside Alexander-Arnold and Van Dijk.