Alexander-Arnold faces Liverpool ‘distractions’ ahead of PSG clash
Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold faces “distractions” before the crunch Champions League clash with Paris Saint-Germain.
The Reds travel to the French capital on 5 March looking to take the advantage in the round of 16 contest ahead of the second-leg on home soil.
Arne Slot‘s side are looking to continue an impressive European run that saw them win seven and lose just one of their eight league-phase matches and the English right-back will be a crucial asset against the Parisiens.
However, one former Anfield ace has warned that the England star’s mind may be elsewhere during the clash.
Alexander-Arnold may be distracted at Liverpool
Ex-red turned pundit Danny Murphy believes that Alexander-Arnold may be distracted by his contract status when the two sides meet.
In a column in the Mail on Sunday (page 99, 2 March), he said: “Contract talks between the club and Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold haven’t derailed results, even if Trent, as a local player, faces the most distractions.”
Liverpool need to sort Alexander-Arnold deal
Alexander-Arnold has been at the club since he was six years old and the L4 outfit needs to tie down their homegrown star to a new deal and not allow him to leave on a free transfer in the summer.
| Stats (career) | Goals | Assists |
| Alexander-Arnold | 22 | 86 |
Losing an academy graduate who has gone on to become one of the best players in world football with the ball at his feet and a crucial creative player would be a devastating blow for supporters and for the playing squad.
Of course, interest from 15-time European champions Real Madrid, the extra level of fame that comes with playing at the Santiago Bernabeu every week, and the chance to further his legacy is tempting for the player but his reputation on Merseyside would be tarnished irrevocably.
The hardest challenge for the Reds would be replacing the 26-year-old with a player that can maintain the same level of quality in Slot’s squad, while Conor Bradley is arguably a better defensive asset, his on the ball ability is levels below the Englishman.
Sporting director Richard Hughes needs to do everything he can to stop the Three Lions ace from departing for the Spanish capital, or he may have the hardest job in football in the summer, replacing an irreplaceable talent.