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Tag: Trent Alexander-Arnold

Alisson Becker Explains Viral Crossbar Celebration After Title Win

Liverpool’s record-equalling 20th league title was sealed with a 1-1 draw against Crystal Palace on the final day at Anfield.

It was a night full of history and emotion at Anfield. Alan Hansen, the last Liverpool captain to lift the league trophy in front of supporters, handed it over to Virgil van Dijk.

Trent Alexander-Arnold also said goodbye to the fans in his final game for the club. Mohamed Salah collected both the Golden Boot and the Playmaker award after another brilliant season.

Alisson Becker Explains Viral Crossbar Celebration After Title Win

But one of the most talked-about moments came from Alisson Becker. The Brazilian goalkeeper climbed onto the crossbar at the Kop end, sitting on top of it as fans sang his name.

Speaking to Men in Blazers, Alisson explained:
“Pure joy. Pure joy. I wish I could have maybe a camera in my head so you could have the same vision of the Kop that I had up there.

It was a great feeling celebrating with the fans, being able to celebrate finally the Premier League with the fans. One thing that we lacked the first time we won it. So it was great.”

Alisson also shared a funny moment with Ryan Gravenberch, who had been sent off earlier in the game. As the Dutch midfielder came forward to lift the trophy, Alisson jokingly flashed him a pretend red card, sparking laughter around the squad.

From Hansen’s symbolic handover to Van Dijk, Salah’s record-equalling season, and Alisson’s crossbar celebration, it was a night Anfield will never forget.

August 22, 2025
Liverpool Given 28% Chance to Retain Premier League Title

After a dominant campaign last season that saw Liverpool clinch their 20th English top-flight title with four games to spare, expectations are sky-high for Arne Slot and his resurgent Reds heading into the 2025-26 season.

According to Opta’s latest supercomputer projections, Liverpool have been given a 28.5% chance of retaining their Premier League crown, a dramatic jump from the 5.1% they were handed this time last year.

The projections were part of Opta Analyst’s Premier League season preview, which simulated the season 10,000 times to determine likely outcomes.

While the numbers suggest a wide-open race, Liverpool emerge as favourites, even amid significant changes on and off the pitch.

Arne Slot’s first season at Anfield defied the odds, with many tipping Liverpool to be on the outside of the title picture. Instead, they stormed to glory in style. Now, as Slot enters his second season, his project is beginning to take full shape, albeit with some emotional and structural reshuffling.

The team will head into the new campaign without Luis Díaz, who has joined Bayern Munich, and Trent Alexander-Arnold, whose exit leaves a notable void in leadership and creativity. More painfully, the tragic passing of Diogo Jota has cast a long shadow over the club, emotionally uniting the dressing room but also serving as a somber reminder of life beyond football.

Yet, Liverpool have also been active and ambitious in the market. Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitiké, Milos Kerkez, and Jeremie Frimpong all arrive with clear intent to refresh and strengthen an already formidable squad. The supercomputer clearly believes the pieces are in place for another serious run at the title.

Liverpool’s Challengers for the Crown

Arsenal, meanwhile, continue to flirt with glory without quite grasping it and three consecutive second-place finishes under Mikel Arteta have raised expectations and frustrations in equal measure.

But this summer, the Gunners made a statement signing in Viktor Gyökeres, a prolific striker who could be the missing link in their attack and the supercomputer seems optimistic about Arsenal’s chances. It has assigned them a 24.3% likelihood of winning the league, nearly double last season’s odds.

Unfortunately, however, it also predicts that their most likely finish is once again second place so for Arteta and his players, the message is clear: it’s now or never.

Manchester City were expected to make history last season by winning a fifth consecutive title, but instead, they endured a rare stumble, hampered by a long-term knee injury to Rodri, whose absence exposed structural weaknesses in midfield and now with Rodri fit and Pep Guardiola still at the helm, City remain a dangerous force, yet the supercomputer projects only an 18.8% chance of City reclaiming the crown, far less than the 82.2% it gave them before last season.

Chelsea enter the season buoyed by their FIFA Club World Cup victory, with manager Enzo Maresca building a youthful but vibrant squad and Cole Palmer, Moises Caicedo, Enzo Fernandez, and others will be asked to lead the charge as the Blues look to win their first league title since 2017, but the supercomputer gives them a realistic 8.8% shot, with fourth place once again predicted as their most likely outcome.

In contrast, Manchester United (0.6%) and Tottenham Hotspur (0.3%) are almost completely ruled out of contention and after finishing in the bottom half last season, both clubs are seen as long-term projects rather than immediate title challengers while Aston Villa and Newcastle United each received 5.1% odds to pull off a surprise win, suggesting they’re viewed as dark horses but not quite among the elite.

August 6, 2025
Cody Gakpo Tips Dutch Duo To Boost Liverpool

Cody Gakpo believes Jeremie Frimpong and Giovanni van Bronckhorst will add real quality to Liverpool this season as the club prepares for another title challenge.

Frimpong became the Reds’ fourth Dutch player when he joined from Bayer Leverkusen earlier this summer.

The 23-year-old signed a five-year deal after Liverpool agreed a €35 million (£29.5m) fee with Leverkusen. The versatile right-footer is widely seen as Trent Alexander-Arnold’s long-term successor. He played a key role in Leverkusen’s Bundesliga-winning side in 2023–24 and made 53 appearances last season as they finished second. He will now compete for the right-back spot with Conor Bradley, who recently signed a new four-year contract.

Gakpo, who knows Frimpong well from the national team, is excited about what the energetic defender will bring to Arne Slot’s squad.

“He is maybe already the fastest player on the team,” Gakpo told Liverpoolfc.com in Hong Kong. “He has a good cross, he can defend, he can attack. I think he can help us a lot.”

Cody Gakpo Tips Dutch Duo To Boost Liverpool

Van Bronckhorst, a former Dutch international and experienced manager, is now part of Slot’s coaching staff. He joins a new-look setup at Anfield, replacing John Heitinga, who left to take over as Ajax head coach.

“As a player, he has a lot of experience. And also as a manager,” Gakpo said. “I think he can teach us a lot from what he experienced in his career, as a player and as a manager. He has a lot to tell how it was as a player and the teams he played in, so I think everybody is very curious [about] what he has for us.”

Liverpool began their training schedule in Hong Kong on Monday and will face AC Milan in a pre-season friendly on Saturday. The squad is then set to travel to Japan to face Yokohama F. Marinos in their final warm-up match.

“The manager said it was a light session to start the week with, so we are curious to see what tomorrow will bring! But it was a good session to get used to the weather and everything,” Gakpo said.

The Dutch forward also praised the atmosphere since the team landed in Asia and thanked the fans for their support.

“It’s amazing. Even when we arrived at the hotel, a lot of people were cheering for us. They will never let us down. Like we say, You’ll Never Walk Alone. They are everywhere, it’s amazing. We are all looking forward to the game there with a lot of people.”

July 23, 2025
5 Likely Replacements For Liverpool Vice Captain

Liverpool need a new vice-captain this summer following the departure of Trent Alexander-Arnold to Real Madrid. His exit creates a significant gap in the leadership group, and the role of supporting Virgil van Dijk on and off the pitch now hangs in the balance.

The Liverpool vice captain role demands for presence, consistency, and a deep understanding of the club’s identity.

With several experienced players and emerging leaders available, Arne Slot faces a key early decision in his reign. Should the armband go to a seasoned veteran or a younger figure who represents Liverpool’s long-term future?

Here are five likely contenders for the Liverpool Vice Captain role.

5 Likely Replacements For Liverpool Vice Captain

1. Alexis Mac Allister – The Long-Term Option for Liverpool

If Slot is thinking about continuity and future stability, Alexis Mac Allister makes a strong case for the Liverpool vice captain role. Despite being at the club for under three years, the Argentine midfielder has become one of the most consistent and composed performers in the squad.

Mac Allister brings a winning mentality, having lifted the World Cup with Argentina, and he fits seamlessly into the club’s high standards established under Jürgen Klopp. He might not yet carry the same status as others in the leadership group, but his influence is growing, both on and off the pitch.

While Salah, Alisson, and Robertson have more time under their belts, Mac Allister stands out as a player who could be a fixture at the heart of the team for years to come. Promoting him now would send a clear message that Liverpool are building around a new core.

2. Mohamed Salah – The Senior Statesman

Mohamed Salah is arguably the most obvious choice for Liverpool vice captain. Having dedicated his prime years to the club, his leadership has matured with time. Though he doesn’t wear the armband officially, he has taken on that responsibility through his performances and attitude.

Salah sets the tone for the team through his professionalism, fitness, and relentless drive. Younger players admire him, and he is a vocal figure both during matches and behind closed doors. His commitment to Liverpool’s cause is unquestionable, and the timing feels right for him to step formally into a leadership role.

Van Dijk and Salah as captain and vice-captain would make a formidable leadership duo, combining experience, presence, and respect.

3. Alisson Becker – The Trusted Voice in the Dressing Room

While Alisson may not be the loudest figure in the Liverpool dressing room, he commands enormous respect. When he speaks, everyone listens.

The Brazilian goalkeeper is admired for his calm authority, consistency, and influence especially among the South American players. He has helped shape the club’s culture quietly but effectively and remains one of the best in the world in his position.

With his contract potentially running until 2027, Alisson’s continued presence in the starting lineup makes him a logical candidate for promotion within the leadership group. Giving him the Liverpool vice captain role would reflect his quiet influence and the trust he already enjoys among players and staff.

4. Andy Robertson – The Passionate Veteran (With a Caveat)

Andy Robertson is already part of the leadership group and has long been admired for his energy, competitiveness, and passion. He leads by example and shares a strong bond with Van Dijk on the pitch.

However, what might work against Robertson is the growing competition at left-back. The recent signing of Milos Kerkez suggests Slot is planning for the future in that position. If Robertson’s game time begins to reduce, it could complicate his candidacy for vice-captain.

Still, if trusted with the role, Robertson would bring intensity and accountability, two traits any team would welcome in a leader.

5. Curtis Jones – The Wildcard and Boyhood Red

Curtis Jones may be the surprise name on this list, but he has already written himself into the club’s history books. At just 19 years and 5 days old, he became the youngest player ever to captain Liverpool’s senior side during an FA Cup clash with Shrewsbury Town.

A local lad through and through, Jones understands what the club means to the city and its people. Over the past two seasons, he has matured into a more disciplined and tactical midfielder, with his role expanding under both Klopp and, more recently, Slot.

While he may not yet be the first name most fans consider for the Liverpool vice captain role, his leadership potential is evident. Slot could view him as a symbolic and strategic pick, one that honours the club’s identity while nurturing the next generation of leaders.

July 17, 2025
Reports: Real Madrid Working On Deal To Sign Liverpool Star

Real Madrid are said to be planning a move to sign a Liverpool defender on a free transfer in 2026, with fresh reports claiming they are already working behind the scenes to make it happen.

The defender’s contract runs out next summer, and negotiations over a new deal have stalled. With no agreement in sight, it has left the door open for Real Madrid, who have a habit of moving early for players nearing the end of their contracts.

According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Madrid are closely following the situation and preparing early.

“We can confirm that Real Madrid are working on a deal to sign Ibrahima Konate in the summer of 2026 on a free transfer,” Romano told DAZN Football.

Real Madrid are interested in Ibrahima Konaté 👀 @FabrizioRomano 🗞️#DAZNTransfer Every Monday⌛
GLOBAL HOME OF FOOTBALL | Live All Summer Long | https://t.co/i0K4eUtwwb | #FIFACWC #TakeItToTheWorld pic.twitter.com/3Rha4HWP8S

— DAZN Football (@DAZNFootball) July 14, 2025

“Like the Trent Alexander-Arnold case, they’re very interested. They’ve already made contact to understand his situation. There is no proposal and nothing official yet, he’s still a Liverpool player and they’ll respect that, but the interest is there.”

Although Madrid cannot approach the player until January 1, 2026, they are said to be gathering information to be ready when the time comes.

At the end of last season, the defender himself spoke about the rumours around his future. He denied suggestions that he was stalling or making any demands and said most of the stories online were false.

“Everything you saw on social media is completely fake,” he said. “I didn’t even ask for anything. The club made me an offer, and I replied — that’s all.

“All the talk that I want to wait or that I asked for certain things is not true. Even some top journalists were saying in November that I was close to signing — I was like, ‘How do they know more than me?’

“Is there progress? Not really. But my agent met the club last week. I don’t know what will happen. We’ll see.”

Liverpool are still pushing to reach an agreement but risks losing another defender unless the situation improves. The centre-back was among the senior players rested for the first pre-season game against Preston and is expected to feature during the upcoming tour of Asia.

July 15, 2025
“He Was With Me”: TAA Pays Glowing Tribute to Diogo Jota

Former Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold has paid an emotional tribute to Diogo Jota, describing the late Portuguese forward as “someone who lit up a room,” following the devastating news of his death in a car accident in Spain on Thursday.

Jota, 28, and his younger brother, André Silva, tragically lost their lives in the crash, leaving the football world in shock. An outpouring of tributes has since followed from players, managers, and fans around the globe, remembering a man cherished not only for his talent but also for his warmth and humility.

Among those leading the tributes is Alexander-Arnold, who was Jota’s teammate at Liverpool for five years. The pair played key roles in one of the most successful periods in the club’s modern history, winning both the Premier League and the UEFA Champions League under Jurgen Klopp.

Now a Real Madrid player, Alexander-Arnold spoke to DAZN after helping his new club secure a 3-2 victory over Borussia Dortmund in New York, a result that booked Madrid’s place in the semi-finals of the FIFA Club World Cup. Despite the win, his post-match words carried a heavy tone of grief and reflection.

“It has been difficult, but it’s also been very emotional, very heart-warming to see the footballing world uniting to show their love and support to him and his family—and of course, his brother as well.”

When asked how difficult it was to play so soon after learning of Jota’s passing, Alexander-Arnold’s response was both personal and poignant.

“It was difficult… but I am sure that’s what he would have wanted me to do. That was in memory of him today. He was there with me today, I’m sure.”

Trent joins a growing list of current and former football stars who have shared their grief, including Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk, Jose Mourinho and Mohammed Salah.

Watch the full video below:

Trent’s beautiful post match tribute to Jota ❤️pic.twitter.com/gS7ylA8N3t

— The Anfield Buzz (@TheAnfieldBuzz) July 5, 2025

July 6, 2025
7 Liverpool Debutants Under Klopp Sold Under Arne Slot

Liverpool are quietly strengthening their squad for the 2025/26 season following a successful first campaign under Slot, which ended in Premier League glory. As part of a mini rebuild, several players have left, while key additions like Jeremie Frimpong, Florian Wirtz, and Milos Kerkez have arrived.

Interestingly, many of those making way were once handed their Liverpool debuts by Jürgen Klopp, signaling the gradual close of an era.

Here are seven academy graduates who were handed their Liverpool debuts by Klopp, but have since been sold under Arne Slot.

7 Liverpool Debutants Under Klopp Sold Under Arne Slot

1. Trent Alexander-Arnold

Trent Alexander-Arnold didn’t just break into Liverpool’s first team; he became the face of their modern success story. Debuting in October 2016, he went on to make over 350 appearances, winning everything from the Champions League to two Premier League titles.

However, the end of his Liverpool story came under Slot. Though he played a pivotal role in the Dutchman’s first season, Alexander-Arnold announced he would leave after his contract expired. Real Madrid swooped in early, paying €10 million to land him ahead of the Club World Cup.

His departure was met with mixed emotions. Klopp, ever the defender of his players, publicly criticised fans who booed the right-back’s decision. “This isn’t us,” he said. “Don’t forget what he’s done for this club.”

2. Jarell Quansah

Quansah made his Liverpool bow in August 2023 following a promising loan at Bristol Rovers. He quickly earned the trust of Klopp, featuring 32 times in the German’s final season.

Yet under Slot, Quansah’s minutes dwindled. Despite the departure of Joel Matip, the new boss preferred the more experienced duo of Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate. Eventually, Quansah was sold to Bayer Leverkusen.

Liverpool, however, didn’t completely close the door. A €60 million release clause active from 2027 hints at the club’s continued belief in his long-term potential.

3. Caoimhin Kelleher

Kelleher patiently served as Alisson’s deputy for years, earning plaudits as arguably the best reserve keeper in the Premier League. His performances in cup competitions, especially Liverpool’s League Cup triumphs, made him a cult favourite.

An injury to Alisson during Slot’s first campaign gave Kelleher a chance to shine in the Premier League. And shine he did.

But with Giorgi Mamardashvili arriving from Valencia, Liverpool faced a choice. Rather than stifle Kelleher’s ambitions, they let him join Brentford, where he could finally be a No.1.

4. Nathaniel Phillips

Signed for the youth team in 2016, Phillips’ name is etched in the memories of Liverpool fans for one reason: 2020-21. Amid an injury crisis, he stepped up and helped secure Champions League qualification, even pulling off a memorable Cruyff turn at the San Siro.

But that magical run was never followed by consistent minutes. By the time Slot arrived Phillips had already spent time out on multiple loans. His sixth at Derby County was his last before a permanent move to West Brom.

His Liverpool career may not have been filled with glory, but he certainly left with pride.

5. Sepp van den Berg

Though not an academy product in the traditional sense, Van den Berg arrived as a teenage prospect from PEC Zwolle in 2019 and developed within Liverpool’s youth system.

Klopp gave him early opportunities, but it was away from Anfield at Preston, Schalke, and Mainz that he matured into a solid defender. Slot cashed in early, selling him to Brentford for a reported £25 million. A tidy profit for a player who made just a handful of senior appearances in red.

6. Bobby Clark

Bobby Clark’s standout Liverpool moment came at Wembley. As part of Klopp’s youthful lineup in the 2024 League Cup final, he helped outplay a far more expensive Chelsea squad en route to a dramatic extra-time win.

That spark wasn’t enough to secure a place in Slot’s plans. The 20-year-old linked up with former assistant Pep Lijnders at Red Bull Salzburg, where he’s continued his development. With Lijnders now gone, Clark could be on the move again. Southampton are rumoured to be preparing a £10 million bid.

7. Harvey Blair

Harvey Blair’s first-team journey was brief, a 55-minute outing in the League Cup back in 2021. But those who watched the academy closely were well aware of his potential at U18 level.

Still, Blair wasn’t part of the new vision at Anfield. Slot moved him on to Portsmouth in the Championship, where he’s looking to carve out a career of his own. For Liverpool, it was a low-risk, clean break.

July 4, 2025
“I Don’t See Where He Fits In” – Steve Nicol Questions Frimpong’s Role At Liverpool

Jeremie Frimpong’s move to Liverpool has brought plenty of excitement, but former Reds defender Steve Nicol isn’t fully convinced about how he fits into the team.

The Dutch international joined Liverpool from Bayer Leverkusen this summer after helping them win the Bundesliga title. Known for his pace and attacking runs, Frimpong is expected to give Arne Slot more options on the right side of the pitch.

However, speaking on ESPN FC, Nicol questioned whether Frimpong’s style would work in Liverpool’s current system.

“If Salah’s not fit, then Frimpong starts where Salah plays,” Nicol said. “I’m interested to see what Arne Slot wants him to do. Because right now, in my head, I’m thinking, ‘Is he going to get in Salah’s way?’ That’s what I’m thinking.”

Nicol also raised concerns about Frimpong’s defensive ability, comparing it to Trent Alexander-Arnold.

“Defensively, it’s not good, just the same as Trent. He’s not that good a defender,” Nicol added. “But going forward, he’s got different attributes to what Trent had. Again, I keep ending up at the same thing — is he going to get in Salah’s way?”

He went on to say that if everyone is fit, he believes Conor Bradley should start ahead of Frimpong.

“I think absolutely if everybody’s fit, Bradley starts. I don’t think Frimpong starts. I don’t see where he fits in, I really don’t.”

June 24, 2025
“It’s Big Shoes” – Frimpong On Replacing Trent At Liverpool

Jeremie Frimpong knows exactly what he’s stepping into at Liverpool, and he’s not backing down from the challenge.

The Dutch international has joined the Reds in a £29.5m move from Bayer Leverkusen, arriving on the same day Trent Alexander-Arnold’s departure to Real Madrid was confirmed. While not seen as a direct replacement in style, Frimpong is expected to compete for the right-back position in Arne Slot’s new-look team.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Frimpong said:

“It’s big shoes, but it’s Liverpool. It’s a big team who win trophies for a reason. If you play for Liverpool, you have to fill in the shoes and perform. I’ve always believed in myself. I’m a winner. That’s what I’ll bring.”

Frimpong is expected to battle with Conor Bradley for a starting spot next season, with both full-backs offering pace and energy down the right.

Asked about returning to England, the Manchester-born defender said:

“The Premier League is the best league in the world. I grew up in Manchester, so I always wanted to come back. It was always the plan. I know what being a champion is like at Bayer Leverkusen, so joining a champion team is a privilege, especially for Liverpool.”

“To go from watching them to playing for them is crazy. The manager has told me how I can help the team, and he really likes me as a player. It’s given me extra motivation and belief.”

With big boots to fill and the confidence to do it, Frimpong is ready to make his mark at Anfield

June 23, 2025
Liverpool sign Jeremie Frimpong after Trent Alexander-Arnold exit

Liverpool have completed the signing of Dutch right-back Jeremie Frimpong from Bayer Leverkusen, just hours after Trent Alexander-Arnold’s early move to Real Madrid was confirmed.

Frimpong, 24, signed a long-term contract with the Premier League champions after passing his medical at the AXA Training Centre on Friday. The Reds will pay €35 million (£30m) for his services, with the fee spread over three years.

Speaking after signing, Frimpong said: “Liverpool fans, I’m going to give my all–my energy, my work-rate. Hopefully, we win together, celebrate together. I won’t let you down.”

Frimpong arrives with an impressive record. He played 190 matches for Leverkusen, scoring 30 goals and providing 44 assists. He helped them win the Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal in the 2023/24 season and was part of their incredible 51-game unbeaten run.

The former Manchester City and Celtic player was named in the Bundesliga Team of the Season for two years in a row and made his Netherlands debut in 2023.

He joins Liverpool at a time of transition, with Alexander-Arnold leaving Anfield after 20 years to join Real Madrid. While many see Frimpong as a straight replacement, sources say new Liverpool manager Arne Slot sees him as a flexible option who can also play further forward, especially during the African Cup of Nations when Mohamed Salah will be away.

Frimpong has long had links to Liverpool. The club tried to sign him when he was younger, and he already knows Dutch teammates like Virgil van Dijk, Cody Gakpo, and Ryan Gravenberch. He also has a strong connection with Arne Slot, who he said comes highly recommended.

“I’ve heard only good things about him [Slot],” Frimpong added. “Now he’s my coach and I’m really excited.”

His squad number will be announced later this summer.

May 30, 2025