His speed was unmatched tonight, and his performance was simply incredible from start to finish. Arne Slot couldn’t hold back his admiration as he showered praises on the Liverpool player who, in his words, “deserved the man of the match and not the one that was given.”

Liverpool’s 5-1 Champions League victory over Eintracht Frankfurt at Deutsche Bank Park on October 22, 2025, was a night of redemption, flair, and jaw-dropping surprises. While the result indicated dominance, Trent Alexander-Arnold, the Scouse-born vice-captain, emerged as the throbbing heart of the Reds’ victory, with a performance so thrilling that Arne Slot couldn’t control his admiration. The Dutch manager, who is normally reserved in his plaudits, was left fuming, calling Trent’s performance “simply incredible from start to finish” and saying he was robbed of the man-of-the-match title. “He deserved it, not the one that was given,” Slot raged on TNT Sports, sparking a whirlwind of support across fan platforms and social media.

Following a brutal four-game winless streak that threw doubt on Liverpool’s title prospects, the Reds faced a Frankfurt team ready to exploit their vulnerability. When Rasmus Kristensen’s early goal put the hosts ahead, the atmosphere became tense—until Trent Alexander-Arnold declared the night belonged to him. From the start, his speed was a revelation, a turbo-charged blur down the right flank that had Frankfurt’s defenders grabbing at shadows. His lung-busting runs, which were recorded as some of the fastest in the game, were more than simply for show; they were the catalyst for Liverpool’s comeback. Trent’s whipping cross was delivered with the perfection of a master craftsman in the 23rd minute, finding Hugo Ekitike, who nodded home the equalizer against his previous side. Trent’s vision transformed desperation into hope.

However, the 26-year-old was not done. His corners, a source of Slot’s recent dissatisfaction with set-piece “luck,” become weapons of mass destruction. In the 38th minute, his inch-perfect delivery hit Virgil van Dijk’s thunderous header, turning the game on its head. Later, another set-piece set off Ibrahima Konate’s goal, and Trent’s constant pressing in the second half forced turnovers that fed Cody Gakpo and Dominik Szoboszlai’s precision finishes, completing the 5-1 victory. His stats showed a picture of perfection: 92% pass accuracy, three critical passes, two opportunity creates, and a defensive grit that earned him five duels and three tackles. However, his unrivaled speed—hitting sprints that rivaled the quickest wingers—left jaws on the floor. X postings exploded, with fans labeling him “the Scouse Usain Bolt,” and a viral video of his 70-yard race to intercept a Frankfurt counter received over 2 million views.

Slot’s post-match plaudits was a love letter to Trent’s all-around talent. “His work rate, confidence, and decision-making—it was everything we needed,” the manager exclaimed, noticeably excited. “He’s not just a player; he’s the pulse of this team.” Slot’s dissatisfaction with the man-of-the-match award, which was most likely given to a goal scorer like Ekitike, arose from Trent’s intangible impact: the way he energized a team on the verge of collapse, changing a potential upset into a statement of determination. “He proved tonight he’s someone we’ll always want in every game,” Slot said, alluding to Trent’s transition from a pass-master to a dynamic, all-action leader.

The contrast with Slot’s harsh assessment of Alexander Isak, the £116 million striker who failed badly before being replaced at halfway, was apparent. While Isak’s sluggishness earned comments like “disgrace” and “waste of hype,” Trent’s fire served as an antidote, reminding fans that Liverpool’s essence is in its red-blooded players. Fans on X shared Slot’s feelings, with hashtags such as #TrentMOTM trending and memes mocking the Oscar snub. “Trent was running the show while others were jogging,” one user joked, summarizing the night’s events.

This was more than just a show; it was a manifesto. Trent Alexander-Arnold, 26, is reaching a pinnacle that combines his world-class vision with a heightened athletic aggressiveness. His pace, once an underappreciated asset, was the spark that sparked Liverpool’s fire, transforming a must-win game into a slaughter that silenced critics. Trent’s performance serves as a beacon as the Reds continue their Champions League campaign: no matter what the storm throws at them, Anfield’s own can guide them. YNWA, never more so than tonight.