'Makes me really happy': Arne Slot says Liverpool have an 'outstanding' player who was great vs Bournemouth
Today at 01:20 PM
Liverpool picked up a much needed three points to move top of the Premier League table on Saturday.
The Reds will not end the weekend in first place, as either Man City or Arsenal will pass them following their clash on Sunday.
But, for the time being, Liverpool are looking down on the rest. After the embarrassment that was last weekend’s loss against Nottingham Forest, Arne Slot has every right to be pleased.
It was not a perfect performance from Liverpool against Bournemouth. Mohamed Salah has been criticised for his display against the Cherries and he wasn’t the only one slightly off form.
However, on the whole, Liverpool were very accomplished and clearly much better than last time out at Anfield.
And speaking post-game, Slot was keen to highlight the contribution of Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Arne Slot explains Trent Alexander-Arnold hope
Alexander-Arnold has been in the news this week after claims from France that the Scouser is intending to take over Ligue 1 side Nantes.
But it has since been reported that Alexander-Arnold is not preparing a bid for Nantes and Saturday was the first chance for him to re-focus his attention on the pitch.
All in all, the Liverpool academy graduate did that very well. He even managed a goal contribution after laying on Luis Diaz’s second of the game.
After setting up Ibrahima Konate against AC Milan, that made it two assists in two games for Alexander-Arnold.
READ MORE: Liverpool player ratings as they beat Bournemouth 3-0 at Anfield
The 25-year-old has also been noticeably solid defensively over the past couple of games and speaking to BBC Sport, Slot said that if Trent could marry both attack and defence in the weeks to come, he could ‘make him very happy.’
“I’m not surprised he is involved in so many goals because his quality is outstanding,” raved the Liverpool head coach.
“But what I also liked today was how he defended. If he can combine those two things he makes me really happy.”
Slot reserves praise for Luis Diaz
As well as Alexander-Arnold, Slot was keen to highlight his delight to the BBC over Diaz’s performance against Bournemouth.
Diaz made it five goals in five Premier League games this season with a really well-taken double. And his manager is clearly really pleased with how the Colombian is doing.
“They were really good finishes,” said Slot. “But it’s also important what led to the finish.
“They were really aggressive, Bournemouth, so Konate understood a ball in behind was a good one to take. For the second Trent made a good run with the ball and Luis finished both off really well.”
Two great performances which ultimately won the game for Liverpool.
