'The best we've ever seen' - Critics of Liverpool's Trent Alexander-Arnold completely shut down by ex-Premier League boss as he makes bold 'sneaky feeling' Mohamed Salah transfer prediction

The highly anticipated clash between Liverpool and Manchester United saw Alexander-Arnold come under the microscope after a defensive lapse contributed to United’s early lead through Lisandro Martinez. Pundits, including Roy Keane, did not hold back, with the former United captain sarcastically suggesting the full-back would be better suited to League Two side Tranmere Rovers than Spanish giants Real Madrid, who he has been heavily linked with.

However, Sherwood believes that the criticism has been over the top and argued that the Liverpool star’s value lies in his creative contributions rather than traditional defensive duties.

"I think the criticism of Trent Alexander-Arnold recently has been really harsh," he told Lucky Block. "He wasn’t at his best against Manchester United on Sunday, but I hate it when people talk about him as a right-back because he’s not a proper defender - he’s a provider of goals and assists at the other end of the pitch.

"He’s got the best passing range of anyone in the Premier League, even the likes of Kevin De Bruyne. He’s up there with the best we’ve ever seen at passing in the competition’s history, like David Beckham when he gets it on the right-hand side. The timing and weight of his passing is just sublime, so I think we sometimes overlook the positives that he offers and focus on the negatives."

Alexander-Arnold’s future at Liverpool remains unclear, as he has entered the final six months of his current contract. Speculation about a potential move to Real Madrid has intensified, but Sherwood dismissed the idea that the player’s mind is already in Spain.

"It wasn’t his best game last weekend, but I don’t think his head is in Madrid - it’s at Liverpool. If he were to leave the club then it will be in the summer, and I think he will want to leave on a high with a couple of trophies in the bag this season."

Adding to the contract drama at Liverpool, star forward Mohamed Salah shared a photo on social media featuring himself alongside Alexander-Arnold and Virgil van Dijk. With all three players in the final year of their contracts and no extensions announced, the post has fueled speculation about their futures. Sherwood, however, was optimistic about Salah’s situation, suggesting the Egyptian forward is likely to remain at Anfield.

"I would only comment on Mohamed Salah’s contract approach if his performances were declining, but if anything he’s getting better," he said. "If I’m a Liverpool fan, then I’m thinking that he just needs to carry on with whatever he needs to do because the kid is an absolute genius. He’s already scored as many goals as he did last season and he looks like he’s playing with a smile on his face again.

"I thought last season with Jurgen Klopp was the beginning of the end for Salah - he had that little rift with him on the touchline at the London Stadium - but he looks a lot happier at the club now. I personally think he will stay at Liverpool and sign a new contract - I just have a sneaky feeling his future lies at Anfield."

As contract negotiations and speculation swirl, Liverpool will turn their attention to the Carabao Cup. The team is set to face Tottenham in the first leg of the semi-finals, and this is followed by an FA Cup third-round clash with Accrington Stanley on January 11 and a Premier League trip to third-placed Nottingham Forest on January 14.