How Arne Slot is Fine-Tuning Trent Alexander-Arnold at Liverpool | OneFootball

Transforming Trent Alexander-Arnold: Arne Slot’s Masterclass in Defence

Liverpool’s new head coach, Arne Slot, is dedicated to refining the defensive skills of right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold, who is widely recognised for his attacking prowess. Despite his already impressive track record, Slot is helping Alexander-Arnold elevate his game to become the defender every striker dreads facing in Europe.

Focus and Concentration: The Defensive Catalyst

During a revealing discussion about personal goals, Alexander-Arnold expressed his ambition to Slot, aiming to be the formidable defender no forward wishes to encounter. Slot responded to this in the lead-up to Liverpool’s Carabao Cup clash with West Ham United. He highlighted the need for unyielding focus and enhanced concentration, especially given Alexander-Arnold’s established successes, including Champions League and Premier League triumphs.

“It’s difficult for me to judge how it has been in the years before, but the only thing I know is that we are talking here about a player that won the Champions League and [Premier League] title,” Slot remarked. He further emphasized, “Trent mentioned himself that winning the league is about defending, so it’s clear to me that he has been a good defender all his life. But because he is so, so special with the ball, the main emphasis goes to him doing special things with the ball.”

The Art of Defensive Persistence

Slot believes that Alexander-Arnold’s ability is beyond question, but maintaining a constant state of alertness and activity throughout the game is crucial. This involves being vigilant and responsive, even when play shifts away from his direct surroundings. Slot insists that the goal is not to reteach Alexander-Arnold the basics of defending, which he has already mastered, but rather to fine-tune his approach to each match scenario.

Photo: IMAGO

“We go through every game together, and he highlights where he wants me to improve. Even in the Milan game, we had about 20 clips going through what I could have done better and the good parts as well. It is really refreshing to have a manager who will help and guide and teach me how to be better as a player. I am someone who wants to learn, someone who strives to be the best ever,” Alexander-Arnold shared, revealing the intensity of their review sessions.

Continuous Improvement and Harsh Realities

According to Alexander-Arnold, Slot’s approach is straightforward and uncompromising. He values brutal honesty over comfort, ensuring that any defensive lapses are promptly addressed and discussed in detail. This strategy is part of a broader, more rigorous coaching method aimed at fostering continual improvement and excellence.

Arne Slot’s tailored coaching strategies are not just enhancing Alexander-Arnold’s defensive game but are also preparing him to achieve his ambition of becoming an unparalleled defender in European football. With Slot’s guidance, Liverpool fans can expect to see a more balanced and formidable player emerge—a defender as renowned for his stopping power as he is for his offensive contributions.

This holistic approach to coaching from Slot promises to not only elevate Alexander-Arnold’s individual performance but also strengthen Liverpool’s defensive line, a crucial factor as they compete across multiple fronts this season.