Trent Alexander-Arnold waves goodbye to his boyhood club of 20 years and arrives at the Bernabéu as he is set to leave Liverpool when his contract expires at the end of the season. The 26-year-old confirmed his departure on social media platforms on Monday.
From the academy to being a serial winner, Alexander-Arnold has won everything he could have. The Champions League, the Premier League, the FA Cup, the League Cup, the Club World Cup, the UEFA Super Cup, and the Community Shield, and even winning the latest Premier League to add to his collection. It was all lined up perfectly for Arnold to stay longer, but when clubs like Real Madrid come knocking on your door, there really is only one answer you could provide. Real Madrid is just that alluring.
From being the Gerrard of this generation to being compared to Michael Owen, football certainly is cruel. The Liverpool fans were dealt with a great blow as “the Scouser of their team” has left and used them as a stepping stone, that too on a free transfer. Sentiments of rage, sadness exist among the fans as they decide to let Trent walk alone once again. With Salah and Van Dijk renewing their contract, there was hope amidst the rumours surrounding all over the world, but to no avail. This being this disappointing speaks volumes on how impressive Trent Alexander-Arnold is. Having more than 350 appearances, along with 8 major trophies by his side, and having 64 Premier League assists during his time at Liverpool is certainly something worth bragging about.
There is logic behind his need to leave Liverpool, having won many trophies has led to him wanting to leave his comfort zone, a zone he has lived in for 20 years. Rather than for a financial reason, his desire to leave was to try something new, and what better place than Real Madrid to try something new. La Liga is completely different from the Premier League, marked by its intense competition and celebrated for its emphasis on possession, tactical intelligence, and flair. Although facing Hansi Flick and his men might just make him regret that decision.
Arne Slot and his men must dig deep during the transfer window to replace someone who seems to be irreplaceable. It might prove to be a huge setback for them as they hope to defend their title in the next season, along with hoping for a bit of European glory. Will Arne Slot trust in the promising rookie Conor Bradley or eye for world-class talents like Leverkusen’s Frimpong or Inter’s Dumfries.
Nevertheless, what seems to be trouble for Liverpool is heaven for Real Madrid. Acquiring the elite of the elite for free is no surprise for Real Madrid. Florentino Perez has displayed top-notch tactics in bagging top-tier talents on free transfer for years, from Rudiger to Alaba to Mbappe, and now to Trent Alexander-Arnold. The addition of Trent is tremendous for Madrid, as they have been trying vehemently for a player to take reign in the right back position. Valverde will be able to return to his natural position now, and Real Madrid might just be stronger than they ever were.
The Bernabéu will sparkle with Arnold’s delightful crosses to Mbappe, his skilled and masterful free kicks, and with Arda Guler gaining form, the right side might just be the most dangerous and delightful field for Real Madrid. His creative and visionary passes can create a new dimension that can help Madrid greatly.
After years of having defensive full-backs, Arnold might just provide the spark and excitement that Roberto Carlos once provided the Los Blancos with.
With Dòn Carlo leaving the club, it would be interesting to see who takes on the job of controlling a squad of this level. Bayer Leverkusen’s manager and former mastermind of Real Madrid, Xabi Alonso being the most preferred.
His final game for Liverpool against Crystal Palace will be an emotional one as he says goodbye to his club. A new chapter begins, for both Arnold and Liverpool as they leave each other. Will he crumble under the harsh Spanish media or rise against all odds and win? Will he be remembered as a distasteful memory or the local boy, a Liverpool legend who took the corner quickly?
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