'I'm not going to speak' - Trent Alexander-Arnold ducks question on future after firing Liverpool to win against Leicester as Reds close in on 'very special' Premier League title win

The England international began the match on the bench, having only recently recovered from an ankle injury. His introduction in the 71st minute proved decisive, as just five minutes later, he found the back of the net with a superb strike. The goal not only secured three points for Liverpool but also maintained their momentum at the top of the table as the season nears its climax, with Alexander-Arnold looking forward to celebrating a title victory before the decision on his future is announced.

Despite his on-pitch heroics, Alexander-Arnold was tight-lipped about his long-term future at Anfield. With his current deal set to expire at the end of the campaign, speculation continues to mount over a possible move to Madrid. Several reports have suggested that the Spanish giants are increasingly confident about luring the 25-year-old to Bernabeu, and this could even make him a part of the Club World Cup squad.

“I have said all season that I am not going to speak on my situation. I am not going to go into the details. But days like today are always special. Scoring goals, playing games, winning games, winning titles - they are special moments for me and I am glad to do my part,” Alexander-Arnold told Sky Sports.

Reflecting on the late goal, he credited club captain Virgil van Dijk with encouraging him to savour the occasion.

“Virgil [van Dijk] told me to soak it in," he said. "Sure, it was [one of the best moments in a Liverpool shirt]. I have scored a few goals here at this stadium. We are so close to winning the title now and the first game back from injury as well, it was an important game for me. "I am pretty sure it is my first left-foot goal. It's taken a few years, but got there in the end. Probably the one type of goal that I was missing, but I was saving it for a right time. We are so close to wining - just one win away now. To do that especially with the fans here is a very, very special moment."

Liverpool will now turn their focus to a pivotal home fixture against Tottenham next Sunday. A win at Anfield would see them secure their second Premier League title and their 20th top-flight championship overall - drawing level with long-time rivals Manchester United in terms of English league crowns.