This Generation’s Stevie
The post-Jurgen Klopp era has gotten off to a decent start. Arne Slot’s men doing the new gaffer justice with some positive results to start the new regime. There is a lot to feel good about and look forward to in the coming years. Arne Slot seems to have been the right choice to succeed the legendary German. However, there remains an elephant in the room, or rather, three massive elephants in the room looming over whatever positivity the Liverpool fan base has grasped so far. Those are the contracts of Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk, and, of course, Trent Alexander-Arnold. Now, if I were to write a piece on why all three “once in a generation” players should be kept, this article might be quite a long read.
Instead, I will focus on who seems to be the most logical choice in terms of giving an immediate extension. That’s Trent, our Scouser in the team who frankly hasn’t known anything else beyond Anfield’s walls his entire footballing life.
READ MORE: Welcome To The Premier League, Arne by John Carl Bolido
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A Unicorn At His Position
It’s no secret that Trent has changed the way a full-back is viewed in modern football. Gone are the days when a full-back’s role was to strictly protect the flanks and ensure wingers stay quiet. Our number 66 isn’t just asked to protect the back-line. He must also ensure the opposition defense remains uncomfortable, and at times terrified, of that killer pass, only our right-back can provide.
It wouldn’t be a stretch to say that Trent redefined the position. While there is still a role for the traditional right-back in today’s game, Liverpool has ushered in an avenue for a new generation school of thought for the last eight seasons. A big part of their ability to do so is because of his brilliance at right back. This is something the club’s front office must heavily consider when weighing the options for a new deal.
Looking For A New Challenge?
When approaching Trent’s contract situation, it’s hard to remain objective throughout the whole ordeal. Obviously, he’s one of ours, and it seems practically written in the stars that he’ll end up captaining this Liverpool side and leading us to the biggest trophies, sooner rather than later. But what if, Trent doesn’t see it this way? What if, after spending practically all his life associated with Liverpool FC, he’s ready for a change of scenery with new challenges to conquer? That’s a possibility we Liverpool fans should entertain, especially since he’s won every single trophy there is to win in England this generation.
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The move to Real Madrid is the most highly publicized. He wouldn’t be the first Liverpool player to make his name with the Reds before taking on a new challenge in sunny Spain. From an objective standpoint, it’s perfectly logical, to want a new environment after spending a considerable amount of time with an organization. We regular folks experience this every day with our jobs, so it makes sense that the idea would cross Trent’s mind. That doesn’t mean it’s not going to hurt if he eventually makes the move though.
A Modest Prediction
It’s no secret that Arne Slot inherited an extremely talented squad, filled with bags of potential that can realistically challenge for the biggest trophies each year. However, as with anything in life, no situation is 100% perfect. The chink in this particular set of armor for Arne Slot is the expiring contract situations of Trent, Salah, and van Dijk.
Focusing exclusively on Trent, I predict that the club will go out of its way to get Trent to stay. Compared to his possibly-soon-to-be free agent counterparts, Salah and van Dijk, he’s just approaching his prime years. Trent has much more to offer the club over the next decade. However, as I mentioned, this would entirely depend on whether he fancies leading this new generation of Liverpool to greater heights.
Trent ticks all the boxes, much like our former captain Steven Gerrard. He’s a Scouser born-and-bred. His ability to produce moments of brilliance out of nothing is coupled with a tremendous love for the club. He is this generation’s Steven Gerrard. I can only hope, from the outside looking in, that Trent retains the hunger to match or even surpass the legacy set by our legendary number 8 in a Liverpool shirt.
