How Trent Alexander-Arnold’s likely exit affects two clubs
As the gem of the Liverpool academy, fans were ecstatic when Trent Alexander-Arnold climbed the ranks and became a first-team mainstay. Since debuting in 2016, Trent has been a fixture of the squad at right-back. Now, he might be on his way out, with reports saying he is set to join Real Madrid in the summer of 2025.
Alexander-Arnold is one of the most talented full-backs in the world as he does not usually shine in defence. However, he is one of the most creative playmakers in football. That is rare for a right-back, but he is an innovative player with an unbelievable skill ceiling. While many have discussed his potential role with Real, his likely exit will leave a big void in the LFC squad.
Liverpool will lose their most creative player
Originally brought up as a central midfielder in Liverpool academy, Trent became a right-back in Jürgen Klopp’s system. It was a remarkable shift as Alexander-Arnold still had the creativity of a midfielder in a different position. While he had some deficiencies, especially on defence, the value of his playmaking was second to none.
In his 349 games played for Liverpool across all competitions, Trent has contributed 22 goals and 87 assists. That is almost unheard of from a right-back, as it is a defensive role. However, Trent made it work with his trademark long passes that hit his target often.
He and Mohamed Salah became the most fearsome right-sided partnership in the football world. Whenever Salah broke through the right wing, it was almost always a Trent pass that propelled him there.
Despite Trent’s likely exit from Liverpool, they have another talented right-back on the team, Conor Bradley. This opens the door for the midfielders as well, as they won’t have to cover for Trent’s attacking mindset.
Trent will play the rest of the season with this cloud over his head. Thankfully for him, the Reds are far ahead in the league table. He can end his time with the club with a second Premier League trophy after the 2020 win.
Real Madrid have another superstar
Now that Trent is likely headed to Madrid, he will be another addition to the superstar-laden Los Blancos side. They have always been the club for superstars, as evidenced by club legends like Zinedine Zidane and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Trent will likely join his fellow England international, Jude Bellingham in the Spanish capital. The creative full-back will also have plenty of players to pass to, with names like Kylian Mbappé, Rodrygo, and Vinícius Júnior as the stars of the club’s attack.
This is a great decision from Alexander-Arnold since playing for Real Madrid means he will be part of the world’s most successful club.
