Liverpool manager Arne Slot commended Trent Alexander-Arnold for his resurgence, marked by a stunning goal as captain in Liverpool’s 4-0 FA Cup triumph over Accrington.

A week after enduring harsh criticism for a lackluster performance against Manchester United and facing speculation about a potential move to Real Madrid, Alexander-Arnold received a warm reception from The Kop and delivered a sensational 20-yard strike to double Liverpool’s lead.

Slot expressed admiration, saying, “I could talk for hours about that goal. Unbelievable. Every player in the world, aside from maybe a few, has an off day, and that’s completely normal. But when Trent has one, everyone has something to say about it.

“Perhaps it’s related to the contract situation. Without that, maybe the reaction wouldn’t have been as strong. Many were quite hard on him.”

Liverpool boss Arne Slot has praised Trent Alexander-Arnold for changing his Anfield fortunes

Alexander-Arnold was paid a compliment by the Reds boss after their FA Cup third round win

Alexander-Arnold scored with a stunning strike to give Liverpool a two-goal lead in the 4-0 win

Alexander-Arnold, a local boy who has come through the Liverpool academy, is out of contract in the summer. Real Madrid are interested and have had a £20million offer this month rejected by Liverpool.’

He faced League Two Accy because the club’s only other senior right-back Connor Bradley is easing his way back from a hamstring injury.

‘I think it was good for Trent to play in our own stadium and feel the reception of the fans again.

‘It was special and can only help him and us.

‘If you want to do special things this season, you can do that together, not only the players, the manager but definitely with the fans.’

Alexander-Arnold also sought out Accrington manager John Doolan who coached him as a six-year-old at the Liverpool academy.

‘I said before the game that I had coached Trent when he was six or seven and I don’t know whether he remembers it,’ said Doolan.

‘Diane his mum probably would remember as she used to bring him to the training sessions.

The full back, who has come through Liverpool’s academy, is out of contract in the summer

At the end of the game I didn’t see Trent. I walked across to our fans and he turned up behind me in flip-flops and a big coat and just said “I remember”.

‘Then we just started chatting like I’d only been talking to him last week.

‘He is such a wonderful and humble guy. He is a top, top player. To do that shows the class that he has.’