Talk of future did not impact Trent Alexander-Arnold – Virgil van Dijk

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk does not believe team-mate Trent Alexander-Arnold’s poor performance against Manchester United was because the right-back was impacted by talk about his future.

Alexander-Arnold gave the ball away prior to United taking the lead at Anfield on Sunday, and struggled in the 2-2 Premier League draw before being replaced by Conor Bradley after 86 minutes.

In the week leading up to the match, sources said Liverpool rejected an approach from Real Madrid about signing Alexander-Arnold in January as speculation about his future intensified.

The England international, like Van Dijk and forward Mohamed Salah, is out of contract in the summer and can officially talk to clubs from abroad.

Asked if the speculation had affected Alexander-Arnold’s performance, Van Dijk said: “No. I am fine with it.

“Trent has his own people around him, his family and we are there as well.

“He wants to perform in the best way possible like we all do. That is the main focus.”

Van Dijk said in October that talks about extending his deal had started, but after the United game added there was no update on his contract situation.

Salah, who recently said “we are far away from any progress” about his own situation, posted a picture on social media of himself with Alexander-Arnold and Van Dijk during the match at Anfield on Sunday.