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Alexander-Arnold returns to Anfield amid lingering fan resentment
Trent Alexander-Arnold will step back onto Anfield's pitch on Tuesday for the first time since his controversial summer departure to Real Madrid, facing a reception likely to reflect the divided emotions of Liverpool supporters. The 27-year-old, once hailed as "the Scouser in our team" by the Kop, left Merseyside under a cloud after announcing his exit at the end of his contract-sparking boos from fans during his final appearances, including a substitute cameo in May's 1-1 draw with Arsenal.
The England international's move, initially structured as a free transfer before Real Madrid reportedly agreed to an £8.4 million fee to expedite his arrival for the Club World Cup, deepened the sense of betrayal among a vocal segment of Liverpool's fanbase. While tensions eased slightly during his farewell outing-a trophy-lifting substitute appearance against Crystal Palace-his return now tests whether time has softened the backlash or merely postponed it.
The fallout: A local hero's complicated exit
Alexander-Arnold's decision to leave Liverpool, the club he joined as a child and where he won two Premier League titles, the Champions League, and every major domestic and international trophy, cut deeply. His status as a homegrown talent who embodied the club's resurgence under Jürgen Klopp amplified the disappointment. Former Liverpool defender Stephen Warnock acknowledged the raw feelings but urged perspective:
"I know local fans will say he was a Liverpool fan in a great Liverpool team, but sometimes players want something else. I respect that," Warnock told BBC Sport. "I really hope he gets a good reception. He'll want to show why he was so loved."
Warnock predicted a "mixed" reception, noting that while Alexander-Arnold's contributions-including a club-record 13 assists for Mohamed Salah, second only to Roberto Firmino's 21-warrant gratitude, the manner of his departure lingers. "He was an incredible servant," Warnock said, "but wanted to challenge himself. Hopefully, he gets a great reception."
Liverpool's creative void: The cost of losing a playmaker in defence
On the pitch, Alexander-Arnold's absence has exposed gaps in Liverpool's system that extend far beyond his defensive role. His unparalleled ability to dissect opposition defences with long-range passes-he delivered 147 line-breaking balls to Salah alone during last season's title-winning campaign-has left a tactical chasm. Salah, though he notched his 250th Liverpool goal in Saturday's 2-0 win over Aston Villa, has struggled to replicate the telepathic partnership that saw him thrive on Alexander-Arnold's vision.
Warnock drew parallels with Manchester City's Kevin De Bruyne, arguing that Alexander-Arnold's presence forced defences to retreat in fear of his creativity. "Teams would back off," he said. "He struck fear into them-the fear that he'd eventually find that killer pass, which he so often did." Without him, Liverpool's right flank has faltered. Conor Bradley, his nominal replacement, has battled injuries, while £29 million signing Jeremie Frimpong-primarily a wing-back at Bayer Leverkusen-has yet to cement his role. Even centre-back Ibrahima Konate has felt the loss, Warnock noted: "He knew he could give Trent the ball under pressure."
Midfield disruption and deep-block struggles
Alexander-Arnold's forays into midfield were central to Liverpool's "box" system, drawing opponents out of position and creating overloads. His departure has disrupted the balance of Arne Slot's £450 million summer rebuild, which has stuttered to six defeats in seven games before Saturday's Villa victory. Warnock suggested the club's £60 million signing of Florian Wirtz was partly an attempt to replicate Alexander-Arnold's playmaking: "If you ask if Liverpool miss Trent? Yes, 100%."
Real Madrid's gain: A Champions League reunion
Now fully fit after a hamstring injury delayed his Madrid debut, Alexander-Arnold arrives at Anfield with a point to prove. His 10 appearances for Real-including Saturday's La Liga win over Valencia, where he remained an unused substitute-have offered glimpses of his adaptability, though his primary focus will be silencing critics on familiar turf. "He'll want to put on a show," Warnock said. "Demonstrate why Liverpool's fans loved him so much."
For Liverpool, the match serves as a stark reminder of what they've lost: not just a right-back, but a generational talent whose influence transcended positions. As Warnock put it: "He was a right-back, but effectively a midfielder-like De Bruyne in his impact." Whether the Anfield faithful choose to remember the magic or the exit remains the night's subplot.
