Throughout their respective careers at Liverpool, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson were inextricably linked.
Forming one of the most explosive full-back duos in Premier League history, the pair also were, and remain, remarkably close friends off the field.
Debate will continue into the future about which player was the better of the two, but in announcing Robertson‘s free-transfer exit on Thursday, Liverpool‘s official statement suggested that there is only one who will go down as a legend of the club, and it certainly isn’t Alexander-Arnold.
How would you rate Andy Robertson’s trophy-laden Liverpool career?
The curtain is finally coming down for Robbo at Anfield 🥲
Liverpool's Andy Robertson lifts the Premier League trophy in front of the Kop at Anfield on the final day of the season (Credit: Getty Images/Sebastian Frej).
Photo Credit: Getty Images/Sebastian Frej
Liverpool anoint Robertson as a ‘legend’
When news arrived on Thursday evening that Robertson will depart Liverpool at the end of the season, it did not come as a surprise to anyone.
Like Alexander-Arnold 12 months before him, the Scot is out of contract, and it has long been clear that he would not be signing another.
Still, the difference in tone from Liverpool’s post on X to announce the two players’ exits clearly showed which one will leave with greater affection.
“We can confirm Andy Robertson will bring his Reds career to an end at the conclusion of the current season. He will do so as a Liverpool legend,” they said of their current vice-captain.
Nottingham Forest FC v Liverpool FC - Premier League
Photo by Alex Dodd – CameraSport via Getty Images
MORE LIVERPOOL STORIES
READ MORE: Andy Robertson recalls moment he ‘couldn’t quite believe’ from Liverpool fans towards him
Alexander-Arnold held the same leadership position at the time Liverpool announced his exit in early May last year, but the tone was much more cold as they said: “Trent Alexander-Arnold has informed Liverpool FC of his intention to leave the club this summer upon the expiry of his contract.”
For a player who made 354 appearances after coming through the academy at Liverpool, going on to win everything at the club, there was literally no further mention of Alexander-Arnold from the Reds, save for an exclusive interview with LFCTV in which he attempted to explain his decision to leave.
THE FINAL: Who do you want to see as Liverpool manager next season? ⏩
A fresh face in Alonso, or the iconic Klopp?
RTK Poll Jurgen Klopp vs Xabi Alonso
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images
Meanwhile, there have already been numerous posts about Robertson, with the tone much more deferential towards the 32-year-old.
In reality, both were huge players in an era where Liverpool dominated at home and abroad, and should probably have been given similar send-offs. But while it is no wonder Alexander-Arnold is reportedly ‘upset’ at how his Anfield departure played out, the hard truth is that he did this to himself.
Things should have been different, but by delivering yet another subtle dig, Liverpool have brilliantly shown that respect is a two-way street. Alexander-Arnold lacked it in the way he went about leaving, and that will follow him forever.
Robertson, meanwhile, will be adored at Anfield until his dying day, and far beyond.
Join Our Newsletter
Receive a digest of our best Liverpool content each week direct to your mailbox