Liverpool manager Arne Slot praised Trent Alexander-Arnold for fending off criticism last week with an influential performance in the 4-0 FA Cup win over Accrington Stanley on Saturday.

The England full-back, who captained the Reds against the League Two side, played a quick pass to Darwin Nunez in the build-up to Liverpool’s opening goal before doubling their lead with a powerful shot into the top corner.

The 26-year-old was heavily criticized after last Sunday’s 2-2 Premier League draw at home to Manchester United as both goals were scored from the right side.

Speculation followed over Alexander-Arnold’s future at Liverpool, with his contract also expiring in the summer and Real Madrid reportedly interested in signing him this month or signing him on a free transfer.

“I could talk about that goal for hours,” Slot said of Alexander-Arnold’s 20-yard shot. “The biggest compliment Trent could have received was everyone’s reaction (on Saturday) after the game against Manchester United.”

“Every player in the world, except maybe a few, has a bad game and that is completely normal. But once Trent has one, everyone has an opinion about it.”

“Maybe that’s because of the contract situation. If it hadn’t been for that, I don’t know if people would have reacted the same way.”

Former Premier League striker Glenn Murray, speaking to Final Score, described Alexander-Arnold’s goal just before half-time as “Beckham-esque”, referring to similar goals from former England captain David Beckham.

“He makes it look so effortless,” Murray said. “His technique is great, the way he hits the ball.”

Alexander-Arnold was a key target for Beckham’s former club Real Madrid, the current La Liga and European champions, but former England goalkeeper Rachel Brown-Finnis said she would not be surprised if other teams expressed interest.

“Real Madrid is one of his suitors, but I think he could go pretty much anywhere he wants if he wants,” she added.