Liverpool legend doesn't keep quiet and says Real Madrid's offer for Arnold is disrespectful

The 2-2 draw between Liverpool and Manchester United left much to analyse, and one of the main focuses of the post-match debate was Trent Alexander-Arnold's performance. The right-back did not have his best afternoon at Anfield, struggling defensively against players like Bruno Fernandes and Dalot. This performance, coupled with the persistent rumour of Real Madrid's interest, has generated a wave of comments and analysis from former players and commentators.

Roy Keane: Implacable Criticism:

Roy Keane, known for his bluntness, held nothing back when analysing Alexander-Arnold's defensive performance. "We talk about how brilliant Trent is going forward, but defensively today… Oh my God! It’s been like a schoolboy," said the former Manchester United player. Keane even joked about Real Madrid's supposed interest, suggesting that, if he continues with this defensive level, the Englishman could end up playing for a lower-league team like Tranmere Rovers. This harsh criticism focused on the apparent disparity between the player's offensive and defensive skills, questioning his consistency at the back.

Gary Neville and Real Madrid's "Insulting" Offer:

Gary Neville, another Manchester United legend, approached the topic from a different perspective. He focused on the possible impact that Real Madrid's offer could be having on Alexander-Arnold's concentration. Neville described the winter offer of around £20 million as "insulting," considering that it does not reflect the player's true value. "The Real Madrid offer comes at a bad time for him. It won't be an easy distraction. I can imagine all that noise in his head before the game," said Neville, suggesting that the uncertainty about his future could be affecting his performance on the pitch. Furthermore, Neville raised the possibility that Alexander-Arnold feels undervalued in English football, recalling that he himself has been critical of his defensive performances in the past.

The Voice of Former Liverpool Players: Carragher and Sturridge:

From Liverpool's perspective, Jamie Carragher, former club captain, expressed his deep disappointment at the possibility of losing Alexander-Arnold. He highlighted the player's potential to become captain in the future and lead the team to new titles. "The disappointing thing for me is that he could be the captain in two or three years. If I was him, I’d want to put Liverpool above United in league titles. It's more than a disappointment…," lamented Carragher. The former defender also hinted that the player's representatives could be playing a significant role in the negotiations with Real Madrid, questioning the timing of the offer.

Daniel Sturridge, Alexander-Arnold's former teammate at Liverpool, offered a more understanding perspective. He defended the full-back, arguing that he did not receive enough support on the pitch and that his concentration is not in doubt. Sturridge also directed his criticism at the club, pointing to the negligence in the management of contract renewals for key players like Alexander-Arnold, Salah, and Van Dijk, especially after Jürgen Klopp's departure. "We all want him to stay. The club knows his contract is running out. He only has six months left. Neither Salah, Trent nor Van Dijk should be in this situation," concluded Sturridge.

Conclusion:

Alexander-Arnold's performance against Manchester United has intensified the debate about his future. The criticism, the speculation about Real Madrid, and the uncertainty about his contract renewal create an atmosphere of tension around the player. The contractual situation of other important Liverpool players, such as Salah and Van Dijk, adds even more complexity to the picture. The club will have to make important decisions in the coming months to ensure the continuity of its stars and avoid an exodus that could seriously affect its sporting project.