It was a strike of high class. The power of Trent Alexander-Arnold's right-footed effort combined with the placement and the dip to beat Accrington Stanley keeper Billy Crellin would have beaten most top keepers.

A reminder again of his quality, if it was ever required.

Alexander-Arnold turned towards the Sir Kenny Dalglish Stand, smiled and spread his arms out as Anfield appreciated him once more.

Less than a week after one of the toughest days of his career against Manchester United, this was a trademark performance from the Liverpool full back.

'Every player around the world - maybe except for a few - has a bad game and it is completely normal. But the moment Trent has one, everyone has an opinion on it,' said Arne Slot.

'Maybe that is because of the contract situation. If that wasn't there, I don't know if people would have reacted in the same way,' he added.

Almost a fortnight has passed since Liverpool 'emphatically rebuffed' an approach from Real Madrid to buy the 26-year-old yet still there is no word from him.

Post-match, the Liverpool vice-captain walked through the mixed zone and put his hood up when he saw reporters.

Earlier, Liverpool declined ITV's request to interview him after he was named player of the match and 18-year-old Jayden Danns spoke to broadcasters instead.

And so the radio silence from Alexander-Arnold continues. Of course, he has a right to speak when he wants but right now, a fanbase that adores him has been left hanging.

Both Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah - whether directly or indirectly - have stated their intentions to stay at Liverpool, with their contracts also set to expire this summer.

Alexander-Arnold has spoken before about not doing things in public but if he is to leave for Spain, then surely it would do no harm to come out and speak.

Until now, Slot has navigated any contract-related questions with ease but privately the Dutchman must be growing tired of the topic as his side compete on all four fronts.

When Alexander-Arnold was substituted on the hour mark, he handed the armband to Wataru Endo, applauded all four sides of the ground and took it all in as they sang his name proudly once more.

Deep down, only he truly knows whether he has a few more months or a few more years of that adulation.