Arne Slot gives a subtle hint about Liverpool contracts for Alexander-Arnold, Salah, and Van Dijk

Liverpool’s head coach was asked to choose his all-time Champions League XI and included four current players from his squad, possibly signaling a message to FSG regarding their contract situations.

Arne Slot selected Trent Alexander-Arnold, Virgil van Dijk, and Mohamed Salah in his all-time team, which may highlight concerns about their futures with Liverpool as all three are set to become free agents next summer. Fans are anxious that they might all leave the club simultaneously at the end of the season.

By including these players, Slot clearly expressed his admiration for them, adding two more Liverpool players—one current and one former—while notably leaving out legends like Zinedine Zidane, Andres Iniesta, Xavi, and Paolo Maldini.

When choosing Alisson as his goalkeeper, Slot remarked, “Everyone would understand why I would pick Alisson, because I work with him now but he was also really important when they won the Champions League a few years ago. Since I’ve worked with him, I’ve seen how special he is and how many important saves he has already made. He’s been outstanding for so many years for Liverpool and it’s an easy pick.”

He also praised Alexander-Arnold and van Dijk, stating to Amazon Prime, “Trent has been so special for Liverpool for so many years. He came from the academy, winning the Champions League at this club.”

“Virgil van Dijk needs to be there. He has had a significant impact on this club. I believe that when he and Alisson arrived, it was the final piece the team required. An impressive center-back, dominant in the air… he possesses all the qualities a center-back should have.

Arguably Liverpool’s greatest-ever player, Slot included Steven Gerrard in a midfield trio with Luka Modric, shielded by former Barcelona and current Inter Miami midfielder Sergio Busquets.

However, Slot hinted that he might not have chosen Gerrard if he weren’t Liverpool’s manager. He remarked: “If you had asked me this a year ago, I would probably have said Andres Iniesta… but now I’m going with Steven Gerrard. While Iniesta and Zinedine Zidane likely deserve to be included, they played alongside exceptional teammates. Gerrard had great players too, but I don’t think he was surrounded by the same caliber as those two… yet he was still something special.”

Regarding Salah, Slot stated: “It’s clear that Mo Salah should be included. Eight or nine years at such a high level. In the recent history of this club, he has scored an incredible number of goals. He has been truly special at this club.”

Arne Slot’s Champions League XI: Alisson, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Virgil van Dijk, Gerard Pique, Frank de Boer, Sergio Busquets, Steven Gerrard, Luka Modric, Mohamed Salah, Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo.”