Has Trent Alexander-Arnold Chosen to Be a Rival by Leaving Liverpool for Real Madrid?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Trent Alexander-Arnold leaves Liverpool for Real Madrid, sparking fan reactions.
- Jamie Carragher expresses concerns over loyalty and rivalry.
- Trent's legacy at Liverpool remains intact despite his departure.
- His record-breaking assists highlight his importance to the team.
- The move raises questions about player loyalty in modern football.
New Delhi, May 5 (NationPress) Former Liverpool star Jamie Carragher believes that Trent Alexander-Arnold's choice to depart from his childhood club for Real Madrid sends a troubling message for Liverpool, and the passionate reaction from fans is entirely justified.
Trent revealed his intention to leave Liverpool upon the conclusion of his current contract on Monday, citing a desire for new challenges and a change of scenery. However, Carragher, who has made 737 appearances for Liverpool, feels Trent has opted to become a rival of the Kop.
“By leaving Liverpool, Alexander-Arnold complicates his club's pursuit of its 21st league title and seventh European Cup. This will undoubtedly evoke strong emotions. As a Champions League and double Premier League champion, Alexander-Arnold will forever remain a legend at Anfield. His quick corner against Barcelona in the 2019 Champions League semifinal will always be etched in history, just like Owen's two goals against Arsenal in the 2001 FA Cup final,” Carragher remarked in a column for The Telegraph.
Alexander-Arnold played a pivotal role in a Liverpool team that secured four major trophies in just 14 months, surpassing the 100-appearance milestone for his childhood club during the Treble-winning 2019/20 season, where the Reds clinched the Premier League, FIFA Club World Cup, and UEFA Super Cup.
His significance to Jurgen Klopp was highlighted by his participation in all 38 matches leading to Liverpool's first English league title since 1990.
During the 2019/20 season, Alexander-Arnold provided 13 assists in the Premier League, setting a record for defenders, having surpassed his previous total of 12 from 2018/19.
Carragher mentioned legends such as Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, and John Terry, all of whom are celebrated as icons of their clubs, and he drew parallels with David Beckham's switch from Manchester United to Real Madrid.
“Would Manchester United fans have been pleased to see Ryan Giggs or Paul Scholes leave in their prime for Real Madrid? Would Chelsea have wished John Terry well if he had followed Jose Mourinho to Spain for nothing? How would Arsenal supporters feel if Bukayo Saka expressed a lifelong dream to don the white shirt at the Bernabeu?
“Those legends would 'never do that,' is the typical response. But isn't that the crux of the matter? Players are cherished even more when they genuinely convey their reluctance to play for anyone else. If the image of homegrown talent living the dream is merely an illusion, people feel betrayed,” he added.
“Giggs and Scholes will always be revered at United as members of the Class of ’92 who never contemplated leaving, whereas David Beckham is viewed as someone who had a career strategy and executed it successfully,” Carragher concluded.