Image for Sam Allardyce envisions Trent Alexander-Arnold return to Liverpool
Image for Sam Allardyce envisions Trent Alexander-Arnold return to Liverpool
Trent Alexander-Arnold continues to be linked with a return to Liverpool as his Real Madrid situation remains shrouded in doubt.
Jose Mourinho’s arrival at the Santiago Bernabeu was always going to be a concern for a player like Alexander-Arnold.
The Scouser’s game is built on creativity outweighing his defensive shortcomings. However, this has never been something Mourinho is willing to accept.
Defensive solidity comes first and attacking brilliance second. With this in mind, it should be unsurprising that Denzel Dumfries was signed in the summer.
The Dutchman is decent, if not limited, in attack, but is defensively a very reliable operator.
Alexander-Arnold, on the other hand, is a full-blown liability at the back, even if his attacking qualities are unparalleled for a fullback.
Could Liverpool sign Alexander-Arnold?
The conversation surrounding Alexander-Arnold completing a return to Anfield still hinges on a reduction in his reportedly massive €600k-a-week wages and some sort of apology to Liverpool fans for the way he ran his contract down to get a move to Real Madrid.
Former Premier League manager Sam Allardyce says he believes that Alexander-Arnold could rejoin Liverpool if he has another campaign like last season.
Speaking on the No Tippy Tappy Football podcast, he said: “At 27, Trent still has years ahead of him.
“This is his prime. He’s at Real Madrid, and his experience there should stand him in good stead to be even better than he was when he left Liverpool, even though he hasn’t played as often as he would’ve liked.
“If he is going to be a Real Madrid player then this season he needs to be playing more than ever.
“If not, he should come back to the Premier League – Liverpool could do with him back. He’s capable of opening the opposition up.”
I’m not ashamed to say I’d take him back
While I would prefer to sign a traditional fullback that mimics the defensive solidity that Ronald Araujo has brought to Liverpool in the role while playing out of position, I would take Alexander-Arnold back.
That said, I really don’t think it will happen. That door is likely closed.
Liverpool are in a new era, and going back rarely works for anyone.