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Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher has poked fun at Paul Scholes over the Manchester United icon's comments about Reds superstar Trent Alexander-Arnold. Scholes notably made claims that new Reds manager Arne Slot may not be particularly delighted with the full-back.
This comes after Alexander-Arnold was taken off in all of the Reds' first three games this season, often before the 80th minute. Although his performances have not been sub-par, he was taken off against Ipswich, Brentford, and even against rivals Manchester United.
It is also worth noting that Alexander-Arnold looked rather unhappy in the match against Brentford on August 25 when he was substituted in the 73rd minute for Conor Bradley. When the right-back walked off the pitch, he appeared sour about being taken off, and afterwards, Slot could be seen talking to him in the dugout (via GOAL).
This has raised questions about Alexander-Arnold's future at Liverpool, especially under Arne Slot, who took over from Jurgen Klopp in the summer. Speaking on Stick to Football, Paul Scholes discussed the full-back and whether he could play under Slot (via Daily Mail):
"Watching that Sunday game, every time he gave the ball away he [Slot] was shaking his head... He [Alexander-Arnold] was trying these long balls, which obviously he can do brilliantly. I thought, 'I'm not sure if he likes him.'"
Jamie Carragher responded:
"I think the way Slot wants to play, he doesn't want these long balls as much. He will want him to stay as a player."
Scholes went on to speak glowingly about Conor Bradley, who has come on for Trent Alexander-Arnold in the last three games. This led to Carragher joking in response:
"You're trying to get rid of him [Alexander-Arnold], aren't you?"
Trent Alexander-Arnold is notably in the final year of his contract at Liverpool, and it is no secret that a move to Real Madrid could be in the works next summer. Time will tell if the vice-captain does end up renewing his deal at Anfield.
Liverpool impress under new head coach Arne Slot
Liverpool made the decision to replace Jurgen Klopp with Arne Slot during the summer, and so far, that choice has been rewarded with impressive performances. The Reds are currently second in the Premier League table, just behind juggernauts Manchester City.
They have played three games this season, winning all three brilliantly. A 2-0 win over newly-promoted Ipswich was followed by another 2-0 win over Brentford. The highlight, however, was their 3-0 win over Manchester United at Old Trafford on September 1.
It is worth noting that the Reds are yet to concede a goal in the Premier League this season and remain the only team to have let in zero goals. Arne Slot will hope he can continue this remarkable run of form as the Merseysiders gun for the title and success in other competitions.
