Arne Slot backs 'special' Liverpool star as West Ham figure 'in firing line'


Arsenal and Manchester City wowed audiences with an exciting 2-2 draw at the weekend. As the dust settles from their nail biting encounter, let’s take a look at all the biggest rumours from around the Premier League today.
Liverpool boss Arne Slot has backed one of his more frequently criticised players - meanwhile, a senior figure at West Ham United has come under criticism following the Irons’ slow start to the campaign that sees them in the bottom half of the table.
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Hide AdArne Slot lauds Trent Alexander-Arnold in press conference
Many have questioned the defensive attributes of Trent Alexander-Arnold over the years - however, Liverpool boss Arne Slot has no such qualms, claiming that he has been ‘a good defender all his life’.
In a recent press conference, Slot said: “It’s difficult for me to judge how it has been in the years before but the only thing I know is that we are talking here about a player that won the Champions League and won the league title.
“He mentioned himself that winning the league is about defending, so it’s clear to me then that he has been a good defender all his life. But because he is so special with the ball, the main emphasis goes to him doing special things with the ball.”
Tim Steidten under pressure at West Ham
West Ham United sporting director Tim Steidten is ‘in the firing line’ following the Hammers’ unimpressive start to the 2024/25 season, according to a recent report from Football Insider.
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Hide AdCurrently, the Hammers sit 14th in the Premier League table, having won one, drawn one and lost three. Their activity in the summer transfer window, while initially lauded, is now being scrutinised. New signing Guido Rodriguez was hooked at half time at the weekend - several of their other transfers, such as Carlos Soler, Niclas Fullkrug and Crysencio Summerville, have made a minimal impact since their arrival at the club.
As sporting director, Steidten led their transfer window - therefore, the criticism being aimed at him is warranted. However, the season is still young - their slew of new arrivals may still need time to gel with the squad.