Gerrard laments Alexander-Arnold’s Real Madrid exit as Liverpool struggle to fill void
Steven Gerrard speaks to BFM Radio in Kuala Lumpur about the timing of the departure and hopes for a future return
Former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has publicly expressed regret over Trent Alexander-Arnold’s departure to Real Madrid, describing the right-back as world-class and difficult to replace. Speaking to BFM Radio in Kuala Lumpur, Gerrard stated he hoped the England international would not have left the club, noting that the exit was particularly painful because it occurred while Liverpool remained competitive for major honours.
Gerrard, who made 354 appearances for the club, won two Premier League titles and the Champions League, fundamentally changing perceptions of the right-back position. He acknowledged that while he respects every player’s right to make their own career decisions, the timing of the exit made it difficult to process. "I wished and hoped that Trent didn’t leave us," Gerrard said. "But it’s very difficult to replace a player at Trent’s level because he’s world-class."
The former Liverpool captain added that he remains open to the possibility of Alexander-Arnold returning to Anfield in the future. "Hopefully, hopefully, he might return one day," he said. This sentiment resonates with many supporters, despite the anger surrounding the way the 27-year-old left for Real Madrid last summer.
Liverpool have faced significant challenges in replicating the creativity and balance Alexander-Arnold provided, particularly in partnership with Mohamed Salah on the right flank. Recent struggles have included injuries to Conor Bradley and Jeremie Frimpong, and the use of Dominik Szoboszlai out of position. Analyst James Pearce has argued that Liverpool have missed Alexander-Arnold more than other new signings like Luis Diaz, pointing to the unsettled attacking patterns since his departure.
Gerrard previously stated that his initial reaction to the move was, "What are you doing?" He contrasted his own loyalty through difficult periods with Alexander-Arnold’s departure from a still-competitive squad. While the specific timeline of the interview is not detailed beyond the location, the comments highlight the ongoing impact of the loss on the club’s structure and fanbase.
