Trent Alexander-Arnold hands Liverpool new dilemma as Arne Slot faces familiar question

Arne Slot faces a number of difficult selection dilemmas ahead of Liverpool's clash with Tottenham Hotspur next weekend

Liverpool are on the verge of clinching the Premier League title. The Reds’ 1-0 win away at Leicester City on Sunday leaves them needing just three more points to be crowned champions.

Trent Alexander-Arnold marked his return from injury by scoring the winner off the bench at the King Power Stadium just minutes after coming on against the Foxes. His strike means Liverpool can now win the title by beating Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield next weekend.

Following Alexander-Arnold’s return, Arne Slot was left with a near fully-fit squad to pick from to face Leicester, with Joe Gomez the only senior player still absent.

The Dutchman made two changes against the Foxes as Cody Gakpo and Dominik Szoboszlai came back into the starting XI, with Diogo Jota and Curtis Jones both dropping to the bench. Meanwhile, Federico Chiesa was left out of the matchday squad altogether.

With the majority of his squad to pick from, Slot will face another selection dilemma against Spurs next weekend. And the ECHO weighs up the changes he could make as Liverpool look to win the title…

Trent dilemma

Slot faces a selection dilemma when it comes to Alexander-Arnold following the Reds vice-captain’s return from injury. He was limited to substitute action against Leicester, having only just recovered from an ankle injury, but his match-winning heroics will leave him knocking on the door to start against Spurs.

However, his future remains the subject of speculation ahead of his contract expiring this summer, with the defender expected to join Real Madrid on a free transfer. Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher has suggested he should not start again this season if so.

Conor Bradley has started at right-back since his own return from injury, with Carragher insisting the Northern Irishman should keep his place.

It remains to be seen if Slot would feel the same following Alexander-Arnold’s return, though the Dutchman insisted it would be ridiculous to question his commitment to the club this season. While Liverpool could manage the England international carefully, given his recent return from injury, the Reds head coach has a difficult decision to make regarding who starts at right-back.

He also faces a dilemma on the opposing flank, with Kostas Tsimikas starting Liverpool’s last two matches following a difficult afternoon away at Fulham for Andy Robertson. The Greek is well-placed to retain his place, though the Scot will be hoping for a recall as the Reds look to clinch the title.

Szoboszlai stutters

After Szoboszlai was recalled to the starting XI against Leicester, it would not be a surprise if Slot named an unchanged midfield against Tottenham. However, the Hungarian was admittedly not at his best again against the Foxes.

Harvey Elliott impressed after emerging from the bench in his place and will be desperate to be handed a first Premier League start of the season. Alternatively, Curtis Jones is also an option at number 10.

Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister look set to continue in the deeper midfield berths, though Wataru Endo is also an option if Slot wishes to rotate.

Same old striker question

Liverpool’s ongoing striker dilemma continued at Leicester as they struggled to take their chances against the Foxes before Alexander-Arnold’s winner.

Luis Diaz started upfront for the first time in two months as Jota dropped to the bench, while Darwin Nunez was left as an unused substitute. The Portuguese was brought on on the hour-mark as the Reds floundered in front of goal, with Cody Gakpo the man to make way with the Dutchman yet to find top form since returning from injury.

Mohamed Salah is a certain starter, with Diaz’s recent form ensuring he is deserving of a place in the starting XI too. But whether he plays on the left or upfront remains up for debate.

While Slot could stick with the same starting trio, the Colombian is not at his most comfortable down the middle. Should he be moved to the left, Jota is best-placed to start but he did miss a couple of good chances against Leicester as also struggles for top form.

Liverpool look set to sign a new striker this summer with none of their current options nailing down a starting berth under Slot. Continuing to flit between his ranks, he faces the same old question when pondering who starts upfront against Tottenham.