The two giants of their respective eras standing together on the Anfield stage adds a grandeur to the occasion, making “what a centre partnership that would have been” quips a near certainty.
It is set to be an emotional day, therefore, with Jurgen Klopp also attending five years on from Liverpool’s trophy presentation inside an empty, eerie Anfield.
Alexander-Arnold did not follow Salah and Van Dijk in signing a new deal (Photo: PA)
Will he lift the trophy himself? Will he pose in front of the Kop? Or will he slink away and take a backseat during the celebrations after the match against Crystal Palace?
Some Liverpool fans feel betrayed by the 26-year-old after his decision to run his contract down – ahead of an expected move to Real Madrid – and he was subsequently booed by his own supporters when he came off the bench against Arsenal on 11 May.
square FOOTBALL Doing the 92Trent was Liverpool's perfect Scouser - that's why his exit hurts so much
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Slot wisely protected Alexander-Arnold in this regard, but on Friday the Liverpool boss needlessly added fuel to the supporters’ fire when questioning the full-back’s mentality.
“Maybe it’s already a first gift I can give Xabi Alonso, but I wasn’t completely happy with every single minute how he was on the training ground.
“That’s what we talked about combined with that I said to him, ‘You’re a much better defender than everybody tells you, unfortunately you don’t show it all the time’.
Some “gift”. Alonso is widely expected to take charge of Madrid this summer, and while the Spaniard may appreciate Slot’s honesty, it has done little to ease any anxiety Alexander-Arnold may be feeling around Sunday’s game and the celebrations that follow.
“It would be fantastic, if it’s only going to be a positive moment for everyone at the club, and Trent is part of that,” Slot added. “I hope I can influence them, but they have their own opinion as well.”
An influence indeed, and an indication there is a ruthlessness behind that wide smile.
Trent Alexander-Arnold watches partying Liverpool fans after 3-2 Brighton defeat at Amex stadium pic.twitter.com/apetASIdfA
Alexander-Arnold’s glazed expression said more than words. He would have wanted a hug from his former boss at that point, and he certainly needed it.
It could have been different, and while many believe Alexander-Arnold made this rod for his own back, now he will never be viewed in the same light as Hansen or Van Dijk, Slot having just dealt the final, killer blow.
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