The grass isn’t always greener on the other side as Trent Alexander-Arnold may soon find out. What is going through the mind of the Liverpool born Star after Real Madrid’s 5-1 European demolition. Salah and Van Dijk have committed their careers to Liverpool whilst he, plans to leave it all behind.
Radio Silence and Cryptic Celebrations
What must be said regarding Trent’s saga is that he has refrained from making public comments since the beginning.
The reason Liverpool fans are agitated is that he has refused to end the rumours by telling his own truth.
I’m leaving because it’s my dream or I’m staying as this is home
Trent Alexander-Arnold could’ve simply stated publicly that he loves the club that raised him, but he doesn’t want to have any regrets at the end of his career.
‘I want a new chapter, would love to experience a different league, footballing culture and the fame that comes with Real Madrid’.
Simple as that. It would make his thinking much more relatable and even if it upset the fans, at least he would’ve told his truth.
A truth that most people with some empathy can understand.
Keeping all doors open
By refusing to speak publicly, he has managed to alienate the fans without confirming his departure.
He is now, neither here nor there.
Fans have already envisioned life without the dynamic full back. Many now believe it’s Conor Bradley’s time to wear the red shirt permanently.
The Board know the answer
It is a certainty that at some point in the last two seasons, Trent Alexander-Arnold was offered a new deal.
To allow such a valuable asset to reach the end of his contract without at least attempting to tie him down would be madness.
The Liverpool Board are if fact quite the contrary, as seen in their handling of the Salah and Van Dijk contracts.
The fact is he hasn’t signed it.
The Board know this, and have instead prioritized keeping the club captain Virgil Van Dijk and record holder for most Goals/Assists in a 38 game season Mo Salah.
Three Major Reasons for Regret
It is hard to imagine what Trent Alexander-Arnold is feeling. It is however, no harm to speculate using the information we know and his recent reactions.
1) Real Madrid getting battered by Arsenal 5-1
The illustrious Real Madrid, holding a record 15 UCL titles in their history, garnered in their royal white kit.
The club no doubt, has an allure unlike any other in world football.
That is, if they are performing to the levels expected.
Not to take anything away from Arsenal but…
Arsenal were magnificent over two legs. A historic performance that will be remembered regardless of the ultimate outcome of their Champions League campaign.
But you are Real Madrid. To be humiliated 5-1, outplayed in every department by a team that is 13 points behind Liverpool in the league.
A damning result. Their aura and reputation may yet take some time to recover.
How did Trent Alexander-Arnold feel watching the two legged demolition? The answer only his friends and family know the answer.
I doubt it was reassuring of his desire to join.
2) Two of the Best have Committed their Careers
Mo Salah and Virgil Van Dijk will be seen as some of the Liverpool’s greatest ever players by the time their careers at Anfield wrap up.
Most would agree the two are a class above Trent Alexander-Arnold in both stature and importance to the current Liverpool setup.
Both have now committed the remainder of their best years to Liverpool. Not just to the club, but to the city ad it’s people
As Virgil Van Dijk recently stated:
There wasn’t any doubt in my head that this is the place to be for me and my family. I’m one of Liverpool. Someone called me the other day an adopted Scouser – I’m really proud to hear these things, it gives me a great feeling.
It makes you wonder, how does Trent Alexander-Arnold feel hearing such words from the club captain.
While he himself is showered with criticism by his own the people.
3) Liverpool have already moved on
An innate human quality. Nothing hurts more than to see those you’ve left behind moving on as if you’ve never existed.
That is exactly how Trent Alexander-Arnold must feel at this moment.
He would’ve hoped for plea’s to stay, perhaps from the club, the fans or the manager himself.
Instead he has already been replaced by Conor Bradley in almost every regard.
The fans love his energy, the manager clearly values his potential and the club are in talks to extend the Northern Irishman’s contract until at least 2030.
Just like that the Trent Alexander-Arnold has been put to the side.
Huge Career Decision
It’s difficult to comprehend the scale of this decision for the career of Trent Alexander-Arnold.
His desire to leave and focus on his personal image and brand are clear.
He is also vividly aware of what he is leaving behind.
Not only his boyhood club, but the fans that backed him through thick and thin.
He is about to turn his back on the very people that only wanted the best for him.
To reach is incredible potential and captain the club he supported as a kid.
Now he must join a team that is certainly not at the top of their game, with fans that are notorious for turning their backs on players in difficult moments.
Trent Alexander-Arnold is certainly having doubts.
It is time to make a decision for Trent Alexander-Arnold.
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