Liverpool vs Leicester Prediction: Trent Alexander-Arnold to justify big money demands at Foxes expense

 

During Liverpool’s title winning campaign in 2019/20, the Reds had what was supposed to be a difficult game against Leicester City on Boxing Day.  

 

Jurgen Klopp’s side put in a statement performance, romping to a 4-0 win at the King Power Stadium. The star of the show on the day was Trent Alexander-Arnold. The right-back assisted both Roberto Firmino goals and rifled in the fourth for the then league leaders to move them 13 points clear.  

 

 

Liverpool, in a title race this season, host Leicester at Anfield on Boxing Day.  

 

Now, the Foxes are a different proposition altogether this time around. They’re in a relegation battle, for starters. The game is being played at Anfield too. But there’s an opportunity for Arne Slot’s side, and Alexander-Arnold in particular, to put in another statement showing.  

 

In fact, if he ends this year on a high, it is going to be impossible for Liverpool not to give him whatever it takes to keep him at Anfield.  

 

The 26-year-old reportedly wants Mohamed Salah money, believed to be in the region of £350,000-per-week. That is eye-watering money for a right-back. But he’s not your everyday, run of the mill right-back, is he?  

 

Against Spurs on Sunday, there were two moments of brilliance from the No.66. The first was when he, somehow, found Mohamed Salah with a deftly clipped cross into the penalty area. It is probably disrespectful to call it a cross. It was very much a pass. A perfectly weighted one at that.

 

The Premier League’s top scorer was thwarted by Fraser Forster. Moments later, however, Alexander-Arnold assisted the opener with a sort of cross that peak Steven Gerrard would’ve been proud of. Luis Diaz flung himself at the ball to nod the away side into the lead.  

 

He played four key passes against Ange Postecoglu’s side, the most of any player on the pitch. Only Virgil van Dijk (7) attempted more tackles. Alexis Mac Allister (4) was the only player to complete more interceptions than the right-back (3) while Alexander-Arnold ranked joint-first for clearances along with Joe Gomez on seven.  

 

 

On another day, he’s probably in with a shout for Player of the Match. However, on Sunday, Liverpool had a queue of potential Star Player candidates. Gary Neville gave it to Diaz for his two goals, but it could have easily been Dominik Szobozlai for his goal and assist, or Salah for his four goal involvements.  

 

Alexander-Arnold’s brilliance is often overlooked. He’s been doing it for so long that it is taken for granted. People are numb to his genius.  

 

He knows his worth though. There’s a reason he was talking about the Ballon d’Or and building a legacy.  

 

And the foundations are there for a legacy-defining season.  

 

The England international isn’t hitting the numbers of previous campaigns. The assist against Spurs was just his fourth of the Premier League campaign. But he’s developed a knack for chipping in at the right time for the Reds.  

 

He was subbed on against Newcastle United away at St. James’ Park in early December. Salah stole the show with two goals but Alexander-Arnold, going under the radar, claimed two assists.

 

Trent assisted the opener for the Reds in the EFL Cup quarter-final against Southampton. Wearing the captain’s armband at St. Mary’s, Alexander-Arnold showed his class as he escaped a high press and found Darwin Nunez with a defence-splitting pass.

 

 

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The 33-cap international is stepping up for Liverpool at both ends of the pitch.  

 

He’s averaged 2.5 tackles per 90, the highest of his career for the Reds in the Premier League. He’s making more blocks than ever before and he’s committing fewer fouls. His defensive game has improved under Slot.  

 

If he’s able to be resolute while chipping in when it matters for the Reds, it is going to be difficult not to give him the big money. He’s earned it. He deserves it. If he follows up the showing against Spurs with impressive ones against Leicester City and West Ham before the end of 2024, keeping Liverpool in complete control of the Premier League title race, this might be his best season for the Reds.

Liverpool vs Leicester Prediction: Trent Alexander-Arnold to justify big money demands at Foxes expense