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What kind of reception can Trent Alexander-Arnold expect on his first Liverpool return?
Football supporters can be brutal and vindictive, but seldom can they be deceived.
The controversial defection of Trent Alexander-Arnold from Liverpool to Real Madrid saw him vilified by some Reds fans, yet many were also supportive of his decision.
Ahead of the England midfielder's first return to Anfield in tonight's huge Champions League clash, DAZN News assesses the background to his departure and whether he will be jeered or cheered in the home stands.
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Liverpudlian born and bred
Alexander-Arnold was born and raised in the West Derby district of Liverpool and grew up supporting the Reds.
He joined the club aged six and progressed through the ranks before making his debut at 18, racking up 353 first-team appearances.
In 2023, he was made vice-captain, underlining his status as a gifted right-back or central midfielder with outstanding technical ability.
Alexander-Arnold made his England debut against Costa Rica at Elland Road in 2018 and has won 34 caps to date.
(Getty Images)
Glittering Anfield career
In 2020, Alexander-Arnold was part of the side that, under Jurgen Klopp, became champions of England for the first time in 30 years.
He also won the Champions League, FA Cup, two League Cups, FIFA Club World Cup and UEFA Super Cup.
Alexander-Arnold also received several individual awards, including the PFA Young Player of the Year (2019–20) and made the PFA Team of the Year multiple times.
His talent and impact on the Liverpool team was clear to see.
Jan Kruger/Getty Images
Idolised by fans as one of their own
Liverpool fans love a local lad done good. Take the likes of Robbie Fowler, Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher.
In 2019, after being implored by Klopp, Liverpool fans devised a song for Alexander-Arnold to the tune of “And now you’re gonna believe us.”
The lyrics were: “He’s Alexander-Arnold, He’s Alexander-Arnold, He’s Alexander-Arnold, The Scouser in our team!”
Murals of some of the club’s greatest-ever players adorn walls on the streets around Anfield… including Alexander-Arnold.
On Sybil Road, a huge image of the 27-year-old covers the wall of a building, accompanied by the words “I’m just a normal lad from Liverpool whose dream has just come true.”
That said much for the esteem in which he was held by the Kop.
Or at least it was until he decided to jump ship in the summer.
Winding down his deal and signing for Los Blancos
Alexander-Arnold allowed his contract at Liverpool to expire before joining 15-time European champions Real Madrid.
The Spanish giants ended up paying £8.4million to Liverpool to release Alexander-Arnold early and enable him to play in the FIFA Club World Cup.
He was secretive about his move to the Spanish capital, frequently remaining tight-lipped over the deal when questioned publicly.
@realmadrid
Reaction from Liverpool supporters
Alexander-Arnold was booed by his own fans in the 2-2 draw at home to Arsenal and after he announced – before the end of last season – that he would be leaving the club.
That felt significant because it was so out of keeping with the established code of conduct at Anfield.
On the final appearance for the club, though, Alexander-Arnold was given a rapturous reception in a 1-1 draw at home to Crystal Palace.
It came on an emotional day when Liverpool were presented with the Premier League trophy.
Alexander-Arnold looked inconsolable at times after the game, saying: “I didn’t know what to expect stepping out at Anfield after what had happened a few weeks ago.
“To get the reception I got means more than anything. I’ve played hundreds of games for the club, but I’ve never felt so loved and cared for than today.”
Undeniably, Liverpool will always have a place in Alexander-Arnold’s heart – the club and the city.
While he is likely to have his detractors this evening, a good proportion of fans will no doubt applaud him for what he achieved in the red jersey.
Will Trent play tonight?
Liverpool have struggled at times in the right-back area since Alexander-Arnold’s departure.
Conor Bradley and Jeremie Frimpong have battled to stay consistently fit and do not possess the range of passing skills that Trent is blessed with.
Alexander-Arnold has hardly flourished in Spain either, making just a handful of appearances for the La Liga leaders.
He is easing his way back to fitness after a hamstring strain and a place on the bench looks the most likely scenario this evening.
(Getty Images)
What are the Liverpool camp saying ahead of Alexander-Arnold's return?
Reds boss Slot enjoyed working with Alexander-Arnold last season as they won the Premier League title together.
The Dutchman said: “I have great memories of the player and the human being.
“He will get a warm welcome from me. Let's first wait and see if he is on the pitch.
“How the fans (react), I have no clue – but he gets a warm welcome from me, that's for sure.”
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk will not be speaking to his former team-mate before the match.
He said: “Nothing personal whatsoever, obviously I live my life and he lives his life in Madrid.
“Trent is a quality player. He showed it so many times, he's a very gifted player and he was important for us over all those years.
“I was very happy to have him in my team. We have been very successful, but now he's an opponent.
“If he plays, then we have to make it very difficult for him to do what he's good at.”
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