Trent Alexander-Arnold matching Andy Robertson speaks volumes as Liverpool have two choices

Liverpool players continue to set records, even at this early stage of the new campaign. In this case it was Trent Alexander-Arnold - who the club are yet to tie down to a new deal - doing the business against Bournemouth.

Discounting the performance immediately after the international break, the Reds continued their early-season surge under new head coach Arne Slot with a confidence-boosting result against Anfield's south coast visitors on Saturday. A brace from Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez before the break set the team on course for success.

But it is often those who provide for the goalscorers whose names trail under the radar. For the opener an unlikely source was Ibrahima Konate, and the last was teed up by a knock down from Mohamed Salah. But it was Diaz's second of the afternoon that was set up by Liverpool's vice-captain.

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That was Alexander-Arnold's second contribution of the week, who had already assisted Virgil van Dijk in the Champions League at the San Siro last Tuesday. But looking at his latest specifically with ramifications in the Premier League, this was a record-equalling assist in Liverpool colours.

The pass to the Colombian to slot past Kepa Arrizabalaga was his 59th league assist, meaning he joins team-mate on the opposite flank, Andy Robertson, with the same number at the top of the all-time Premier League charts.

Liverpool supporters know just how much the Premier League and Champions League-winning duo mean to them without the need for numbers, but still this serves to quantify just how important they have been under previous manager Jurgen Klopp and now how much they can be for his successor.

"They are good numbers," the 25-year-old admitted about his goal contributions - now almost an average of one every three appearances for the Reds - at full-time, adding: "I think I am capable of many, many more if I am honest."

But for that to happen in the long-term a new contract must be settled before his due expiry at the end of the current term. In his latest interview he freshly stated matters are to be handled in private as has always been the case, and he 'wants to be a Liverpool player this season', as a minimum.

If he is to stay on as a Liverpool player then he will most likely eclipse Robertson's final total for the club, as the Scotsman is five years his senior. His current deal will run out in 2026, so will arrive next on the agenda once 2025's finishing contracts are resolved. A renewal as reward for his efforts or a statement from Slot finding a successor are the two clear options.

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