I wouldn’t have left Liverpool like Trent – Gerrard

Former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has openly acknowledged the risk Trent Alexander-Arnold took by leaving Liverpool for Real Madrid this summer, while expressing confidence in the England international’s ability to succeed at the Spanish giants.

Alexander-Arnold departed Liverpool after progressing through the club’s academy since age six, choosing not to renew his contract and instead signing with Real Madrid. The move sparked significant criticism among Liverpool supporters, with some questioning the defender’s loyalty. Gerrard, who played for Liverpool from 1998 to 2015, offered a nuanced perspective on the decision during an appearance on the Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast.

Speaking candidly, Gerrard acknowledged the allure of top European clubs like Real Madrid and Barcelona, saying the interest from these teams “would turn your head” for any player. He revealed that Real Madrid had previously approached him during Jose Mourinho’s tenure but the negotiations did not progress due to timing and demands. Gerrard explained understanding Alexander-Arnold’s motivation as a player seeking new challenges after winning multiple titles at Liverpool, including his close connection with teammates at Madrid.

“At Liverpool, putting my hat back on, I wondered what he was doing leaving such a successful team who adore him,” Gerrard said. However, he empathized with Alexander-Arnold’s choice to pursue a career at one of the world’s premier clubs. Gerrard also addressed the criticism Alexander-Arnold faced, emphasizing that while fans may express frustration, personal abuse crosses a line. He remarked, “Constructive criticism from fans who invest emotionally and financially in the club is inevitable and part of football.”

Since his transfer, Alexander-Arnold has encountered challenges, including a hamstring injury sustained in Real Madrid’s Champions League fixture against Marseille. Nonetheless, Gerrard praised the defender’s technical qualities, calling him “one of the best passers I’ve ever seen” and placing him in the conversation alongside legends like David Beckham and Paul Scholes. He concluded that while the decision to leave Liverpool at his peak was a significant gamble, Alexander-Arnold has the talent to make the move successful.

The transfer underscores Real Madrid’s strategy to reinforce their squad with proven young talents possessing composure, precise passing, and tactical intelligence. For Liverpool, Alexander-Arnold’s departure marks the end of an era but also signals a period of recalibration under the current management. For the player himself, the switch presents an opportunity to test his abilities on one of football’s biggest stages.