After a clean sheet, multiple goals and a complete victory in their Premier League opener against Ipswich Town, Liverpool took on their home opener at Anfield. Their opponents were Brentford, who were joined by Fabio Carvalho and Sepp van den Bergh.
As in the previous game, England defender Trent Alexander-Arnold started at right-back. He was also active up front and produced an impressive performance, including a decisive goal.
However, he was replaced by 21-year-old defender Conor Bradley in the 72nd minute. He returned to the bench but looked unhappy and exchanged words with manager Arne Slot on the bench. He did not smile at the end of the game and left Anfield with a Buddha’s face still on his face.
With his contract status coming up to June 2025, his departure will be closely watched. The Dutch captain revealed after the game why he had sent a change to the team’s vice-captain, saying that it was a result of his condition, as he has been involved in a series of tournaments this summer.
“I understand. Every player wants to play 90 minutes but I don’t think the players who were on the bench from the start were really happy with the choice I made,”
“Trent came back from national team where at the beginning of the tournament (European Championships with England) he played quite a lot and then he didn’t. He had a few weeks off and then came back.”
“It’s only his third game and we have to take care of him as well because we need him for the whole season and not only the first two games.”
“What a good thing for me is that I have a very good backup with Conor (Bradley) as well. We are taking care of Trent, but he played a good game.”