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Trent Alexander-Arnold has faced a fair share of criticism for his links to Liverpool; for a former Reds star, however, the defender's ambition is understandable.
Former Liverpool fullback John Arne Riise weighed in on Alexander Trent-Arnold’s contract situation at Liverpool and the well-documented interest from Real Madrid.
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Arnold, Real Madrid and the Ballon d'Or
The 26-year-old is one of the three Liverpool superstars whose contracts expire this summer. Unlike Virgil Van Dijk and Mohamed Salah, however, who have been applying public pressure on the club for a renewal, Arnold seems to be eyeing an exit.
When asked about his future, he established his ambition and desire to win the Ballon d'Or, leading many to infer he was eyeing a move to Real Madrid, where his chances to win such individual accolades are improved.
Those speculations were quantified during the winter transfer window, when Real Madrid tabled a bid to sign the defender in January after reportedly reaching verbal agreement to sign him on a free transfer come summer. Liverpool summarily rejected the proposal as they are keen on keeping the defender.
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What Riise said
Trent has received immense criticism from Liverpool fans for perceived disloyalty. However, for Riise, his desire to leave is understandable.
While Riise does not believe Arnold could ever win the Ballon d'Or, as such awards in his opinion are not typically given to defenders, he supports the full-back’s thirst for a new challenge.
“He could end up being the best right-back in the world. He is already in the top five, top three,” Riise said, per GOAL.
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“It’s so difficult to win the Ballon d’Or as a defender. [Virgil] van Dijk didn’t win it a few years ago. If Van Dijk’s performances didn’t win the Ballon d'Or, then nobody will!
“I think Trent is just looking for a different challenge. Sometimes you need that to keep your level up, to come to training every day and be a professional 24/7 for so many years. I would understand Trent’s situation if he does decide to go to Madrid.
“Of the three players—Van Dijk, Salah, Trent—I was more convinced that Trent will go. That didn’t happen in January, so now maybe in the summer.
“I can understand Trent’s situation if he goes and tells the fans why he might be leaving, if he does leave. He has done everything, been there since he was a young kid, won everything at Liverpool, so he wants to test himself. People respect that.
“Yes, you have been at a great club like Liverpool your whole life and winning things, but some players have other passions and other dreams.
“For him to have the chance to go and play for Real Madrid might be for him—test himself in a different league, different teammates and opposition. You never know. I would understand if he goes to Madrid. But I think he should be honest with the fans and tell them why. He has done everything he can at Liverpool.”
While the speculations continue, it is still believed Trent is undecided and could well reach an agreement with the Reds on a renewal. If he leaves, however, he could be leaving the club as a two-time Premier League winner, as they are runaway leaders with 12 games to go.
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