Trent Alexander-Arnold’s first year at Real Madrid hasn’t gone the way he would have hoped, and two former Liverpool stars have now called for him to make a return to Anfield
Two former Liverpool stars have called for Trent Alexander-Arnold to return to Anfield(Image: Getty Images)
Less than a year on from his high-profile exit from Liverpool, there is already a clamor for Trent Alexander-Arnold to return to Anfield.
The Reds’ former vice-captain of course left his boyhood club last summer for Real Madrid, much to the chagrin of supporters who had hoped to one day see him become the club’s captain.
Since Alexander-Arnold departed for the Bernabeu, there has been a consensus that his old club has missed him, with Arne Slot having been forced into chopping and changing his options at right-back this season – due in most part to injuries, but also at times because of Liverpool’s poor form.
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It hasn’t been smooth sailing for Alexander-Arnold either though. The 27-year-old’s first year in Spain certainly hasn’t gone how he would have hoped.
He found himself in and out of the team early on under Xabi Alonso as he had to share right-back duties with Dani Carvajal, and a hamstring injury didn’t help his cause. Although he has managed to carve out a more regular spot in the team now under Alvaro Arbeloa, his emergence comes at a time of real turmoil in Madrid.
The Spanish giant has been rocked by in-fighting between players during training recently, with Fede Valverde even sent to hospital after a clash with Aurelien Tchouameni. To pour salt into the wounds, Real suffered the indignation of handing the La Liga title to its biggest rival, with Barcelona crowned champion after victory in El Classico.
Trent Alexander-Arnold’s first year at Real Madrid hasn’t gone to plan since leaving Liverpool(Image: Simon Stacpoole/Offside, Offside via Getty Images)
A big summer lies ahead at the Bernabeu, with reports in Spain indicating that Alexander-Arnold is among those safe in the current squad. Nevertheless, Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard wants to see him back at Anfield.
“I wished and hoped that Trent didn’t leave us,” Gerrard told BFM Radio. “Certainly, you’ll understand and respect every player has got their own career and can make their own decisions.
“But it’s very difficult to replace a player of Trent’s level because he is world-class. Hopefully — hopefully — he might return one day. I think it’s critical and key that we keep producing homegrown talent.”
Steven Gerrard wants to see Trent Alexander-Arnold return to Liverpool(Image: BFM Radio)
And Gerrard isn’t the only former Red hoping to see Alexander-Arnold make a sensational return, with Glen Johnson in agreement with his former captain.
“Who would be my choice to be Liverpool’s starting right-back next season? Of course, you’d love to see Trent back, of course you would,” Johnson told Boyle Sports back in March.
There might be a problem with that wish though. Alexander-Arnold’s relationship with Liverpool’s fans took a major hit when he decided to leave the club, and there have been no signs of it improving after he returned to Anfield in November – not to mention his brother hasn’t exactly helped enhance his reputation back on Merseyside.
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The England international has tried to keep things civil with his former club though, and he has always insisted he would make a return to Anfield in the future – albeit, perhaps not as a player.
“There’s no doubt about it, I’ll be back,” Alexander-Arnold said upon announcing his exit from Liverpool last year.
“I’d love one day to be able to bring my kids to Anfield and show them that’s where I’ve played, and to show them the videos and highlights of what we were able to achieve together.”