Liverpool must act fast to keep defender after ‘masterclass’ performance

Liverpool have been locked in contract negotiations with Trent Alexander-Arnold since the start of the season, but they’ve barely made headway as he enters the final six months of his existing deal.

The 26-year-old delivered a timely reminder of his value with a dazzling performance in Sunday’s thrilling 6-3 thrashing of Tottenham Hotspur.

The England international was one of the standout performers for Liverpool in the nine-goal thriller at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

He didn’t get on the scoresheet but was involved in the first goal, setting up Luis Diaz with a trademark pinpoint cross, and his overall performance was by far his best in a Liverpool shirt this season.

Alexander-Arnold had 95 touches and looked dangerous every time he was on the ball.

The Liverpool vice-captain has received plenty of flak for his defensive contributions, but he was solid on both sides of the ball last weekend.

He won three out of six ground duels and recorded seven clearances, three interceptions and three tackles.

Alexander-Arnold’s vintage performance against Spurs earned him a spot in Alan Shearer’s Premier League Team of the Week.

The Premier League’s record goalscorer wrote: “Produced another crossing and passing masterclass. I would love to be on the end of his crosses!”

Liverpool must move swiftly to tie Alexander-Arnold to a new deal, as losing a player of his calibre on a free transfer would be disastrous.

As a product of the club’s academy, he knows the club inside out and is a fan favourite with a unique skill set that will be extremely difficult for Liverpool to replace.

Alexander-Arnold will be free to sign a pre-contract agreement with potential suitors abroad if his long-term future at Anfield isn’t resolved by the time the January transfer window opens.

La Liga champions Real Madrid are already sniffing around the right-back and are ready to pounce if there’s no headway in contract talks over the next couple of weeks.

Stats from Sofascore.com.