Trent Alexander-Arnold has admitted that he has mixed emotions ahead of his Liverpool return.
The Reds are set to take on Real Madrid at Anfield on Tuesday evening in their next Champions League clash.
Many were wondering whether the right-back would even be fit enough to play against his former club due to the hamstring injury he sustained earlier in the season.
In the end, however, he’s managed to make a full recovery, with the defender saying that he felt that it was destiny for him to be returning to Liverpool this season.
Trent Alexander-Arnold knew that Real Madrid would get Liverpool in the Champions League draw
Before the Champions League draw was even conducted, most fans were wondering what would happen if Real Madrid were drawn to face Liverpool.
Alexander-Arnold’s Anfield exit left a sour taste in the mouths of fans as, despite him hinting that he was going to stay put throughout most of the 2024-25 campaign, he chose to jump ship.
Ally McCoist has already said that the reception he’ll receive from Liverpool fans will be hostile, with none of them being able to understand why he chose to leave.
And now, while speaking to Amazon Prime Sports, the Englishman has shared how he really feels about returning to Liverpool so soon.
“I think when the draw was announced, everyone kind of knew it was going to happen,” he said.
“It was destined for that fixture to come, and obviously they’re a top team, so I knew at some stage, at some point, I’d end up going back there or playing against Liverpool here or there.
“It’s happening so soon, mixed emotions, and I think it will be a very difficult game, but it’s one I’m excited for.”
He was then asked why he thinks it’ll be a difficult game, and he replied: “Of course, the reception and the atmosphere will contribute, but more so the football for me.
“I played there with the lads and under the coach, I understand how good of a team they are, and although they haven’t had the results of late, they’re still a top footballing team and nobody here thinks it’s going to be an easy game.”
Liverpool must do everything in their power to stop Trent Alexander-Arnold’s creativity coming out against them
There’s no hiding from the fact that Alexander-Arnold is one of football’s most creative players.
Although his natural position is as a right-back, he’s been used as a defensive midfielder and is often seen pushing as far up the wing as possible.
His range of passing is impeccable, and even though his defensive work may not be the best, he more than makes up for his shortcomings when on the attack.
Liverpool have missed the number of chances that Alexander-Arnold made for them this season, with neither Conor Bradley nor Jeremie Frimpong being able to live up to his standards.
Florian Wirtz was brought in to help try and fill the void, and even though he’s now got three assists, he’s failed to live up to expectations.
If Liverpool don’t manage to close Alexander-Arnold down on Tuesday, they could find themselves in a whole world of trouble, especially with Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr leading their attacking line.
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