Slot Expects New Player to Step Up After Alexander-Arnold's Departure

Liverpool manager Arne Slot discusses Trent Alexander-Arnold's departure, Conor Bradley's development, and the team's upcoming match against Arsenal, with Liverpool already crowned Premier League champions.

Liverpool manager Arne Slot expects another player to step up in Trent Alexander-Arnold's absence after the right-back's departure at the end of the season. Alexander-Arnold has been instrumental in Liverpool's success.

Alexander-Arnold, who joined Liverpool at age six, has won numerous titles including two top-flight titles, the Champions League, FA Cup, and League Cup.

“I think, like everyone who likes Liverpool and is a fan of Liverpool, we're disappointed because a good human is leaving the club but also a very, very, very good full-back is leaving us as well,” Slot told reporters ahead of the visit of second-placed Arsenal on Sunday.

“I also worked at clubs like AZ Alkmaar and Feyenoord where every season a very good player, or multiple very good players have left ... so I am a bit more used to it, maybe.

“The experience I have and, by the way, this club as well, that if a very good player is leaving, the next very good player will step up and that's probably what's going to happen now.”

Liverpool's Future Talent

Liverpool manager Arne Slot believes it's too early to compare 21-year-old Conor Bradley to Trent Alexander-Arnold.

Slot said, ”Let's not compare him with Trent now already. They are also different types in my opinion.”

Arne Slot believes the next step for Jarell Quansah to take in his Liverpool development is to find consistency across all levels of his game. ⤵️

— Liverpool FC (@LFC) May 9, 2025

“With Conor I think we all see the potential ... unfortunately he hasn't been fit throughout the whole season. To become a very good player you have to be available every single week as well, and that's the first step he has to take next season.

“But we have a lot of confidence in Conor as a very good full-back for Liverpool and that's already what he's shown in the past two seasons.”

Arne Slot confirmed Conor Bradley will start on Sunday, emphasizing the need for playing time to prepare him for next season. Bradley has struggled with injuries this term.

Slot said, “Conor is going to start because I think he needs playing time as well to get some games under his belt to be prepared for next season.”

Liverpool manager Arne Slot finds it challenging to predict the outcome of Sunday's match against Arsenal, despite Liverpool having already secured the title.

Slot noted, “Difficult to predict but both teams look forward to this game. Okay, maybe there is a bit at stake for Arsenal, top four, assume they prefer second to third or fourth, we can only finish as first.” Arsenal's main objective is to secure a top-four spot.