‘I’m not sure he likes him,’ says Paul Scholes about Trent Alexander-Arnold after spotting Slot gesture on touchline
PAUL SCHOLES has claimed new Liverpool boss Arne Slot may not be a fan of Trent Alexander-Arnold.
The Manchester United legend was sat just behind the dugouts as his former club were smashed 3-0 by the Reds two weeks ago.
During the game, Scholes noticed that Slot appeared frustrated at Alexander-Arnold on several occasions.
The right-back has been subbed off between 70 and 80 minutes in all three of Liverpool‘s games so far this season.
Scholes made the claim on Sky Bet‘s The Overlap, saying: “Watching that game, every time he gave the ball away Slot is shaking his head.
“He kept looking away, turning around to his bench.
“Every time he was trying these long balls that he can do brilliantly, he kept turning around.
“I’m not sure he likes him. Conor Bradley is a good player.”
Jamie Carragher joked Scholes was “trying to get rid of him” – but he did admit Slot is not a fan of long balls.
Alexander-Arnold has often been criticised for his lapses in concentration defensively and with his technical ability, Gareth Southgate played him in midfield at the Euros.
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But the “experiment” did not work and Ian Wright slammed the ex-England boss, saying: “Gareth did not have it set up for him in midfield that is why he changed it two other times.
“Trent should have a team built around what his strengths are, that is Anthony Gordon going long – someone coming short and people making runs.”
Scholes said: “It is alright being at right-back on the ball, you get plenty of time.
“But you have got to find space in midfield and it is not f***ing easy.
“I thought in the summer Trent should have played left-back because we did not have a left footer.
“He is the one that can get there and play these passes, get on the ball, cut inside and the game opens up.”
After two solid performances at right-back for the Three Lions against Ireland and Finland, Gary Neville doubled down on his claims that it is “illegal” for him to not be playing for England.
He said: “If we have a player that can do what he can do and we can’t get him in our team, we have got a massive problem.”
Carragher added on Alexander-Arnold’s ability in possession: “It’s too easy for him, it’s almost like he is in training.
“I think when you look at any player’s weakness, you say do the benefits override that. I think the benefits of him on the ball does.”
England ratings vs Finland: Kane bags double on his big day... but he's not the Three Lions' star man
TRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD showed his brilliance as Harry Kane’s brace saw England beat Finland.
Interim boss Lee Carsley maintained his 100 per cent win record in charge of England.
SunSports Tom Barclay has given their ratings of the England players…
Jordan Pickford – 6
Had nothing to do.
Trent Alexander-Arnold – STAR MAN 9
England’s best player as he supplied some beautiful balls from deep that on another day would have led to a glut of assists.
He did get one in the end, although that was more thanks to Harry Kane’s lethal finishing.
Ezri Konsa – 6
Showed his ability on the ball with a super ball through for Bukayo Saka on the half hour.
Twisted his ankle early in the second half, surprisingly played on before being replaced on the hour.
John Stones – 6
Played at left-sided centre-back before shifting when Levi Colwill came on.
Solid though not much to deal with. Now 19 short of 100 caps.
Rico Lewis – 7
In the right place to snuff out early danger from ex-Norwich man Teemu Pukki.
Came close to a goal on his second England cap when prodding wide after the break.
Declan Rice – 5
Lost possession to give Finland their one and only big chance which Topi Kesinen should have squared to Pukki, but instead fired wildly over.
Angel Gomes – 7
Wanted the ball from the off, just like Lee Carsley thought he would. Deliciously drilled cross-field ball to Alexander-Arnold early doors showed his range.
Bukayo Saka – 7
Almost scored and almost assisted in a lively display.
Unlucky that Kane was millimetres offside after the centurion had headed home the Arsenal man’s wicked delivery.
Jack Grealish – 7
Enjoyed being in the heart of the action at No10 again, as he did on Saturday against the Republic of Ireland.
Carsley clearly likes him – it will be fascinating to see what happens when Mssrs Bellingham, Foden and Palmer all return.
Anthony Gordon – 7
Caused problems down the left with his rapid pace – how we needed some of that in the Euros.
But did not have on his shooting boots as he fluffed a decent chance early in the second half.
Harry Kane – 8
Two blistering finishes took the centurion to an astonishing 68 goals in 100 caps.
Was denied the chance of a hat-trick in front of his family when subbed off to a standing ovation for the final ten.
Kane said he fancies his chances of reaching a ton of international goals – and it does not seem fanciful.
SUBS
Levi Colwill (on for Konsa, 61) – 6
Next to no threat from Finland by the time he came on.
Eberechi Eze (on for Gordon, 66) – 6
Raced on to yet another special Trent pass but could not loop it over the keeper.
Noni Madueke (on for Saka, 66) – 7
Looked to make an impact every time he got the ball on debut. Excellent one-two with Trent saw the Chelsea man tee up Kane’s second.
Marc Guehi (on for Stones, 80) – 6
As with Colwill, little to do.
Jarrod Bowen (on for Kane, 81) – 6
Played up top after Kane went off for the final minutes, as he has done for West Ham.