Rio Ferdinand shares how Trent Alexander-Arnold will be feeling ahead of Anfield return
Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version from Rousing the Kop or go back to LFC Live.
Trent Alexander-Arnold will face the Reds for the very first time since leaving in the summer.Games do not get much bigger than Liverpool vs Real Madrid, although the stakes for this one are perhaps a little higher than before.The match is being overshadowed by the homecoming of Alexander-Arnold, although it is likely that it will be a very hostile one given how Reds fans feel about his departure.Join our newsletter for news & smart analysis. Since he joined Madrid, he has struggled with injuries and for form, although he is expected to start this one due to injuries in their squad.It will, arguably, be one of the biggest games of his career and the spotlight will be on him, and Rio Ferdinand has given his verdict on how ‘Trent’ will be feeling.
Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty ImagesTrent Alexander-Arnold will be looking to turn his fortunes around Alexander-Arnold was one of the main stars at Liverpool, with it only really a matter of time until he was made captain.However, he decided to jump ship and become a small fish in a big pond, with his start to life at Madrid being far from ideal.He has had a few injury issues, struggled for form and has already been criticised by the brutal Spanish media, highlighting just how badly it has gone thus far.However, facing Liverpool is his big chance to make a real statement, with Ferdinand believing that he will be a nervous wreck heading into the clash.“I think Trent, I think he obviously, when you start thinking about how it’s going to go, you’re thinking about positives and playing games and getting confident and having good moments here and there,” he said on Rio Ferdinand Presents.“It’s been anything but that so far. He couldn’t probably have wished for a worse start in injuries and then not being picked.READ MORE: Liverpool’s predicted XI vs Real Madrid as impenetrable backline needed while Florian Wirtz decision made“But this is a great opportunity.
If he gets to start this game against Liverpool, his old team, one thing for sure is the nerves and the nervous energy flying around his body. It will be ridiculous.”Liverpool fans won’t make it easy for Trent Alexander-ArnoldTowards the end of his Liverpool career, a few boos could be heard ringing around Anfield when he was on the ball, something that maybe came as a surprise given that he never dropped his standards despite moving away.However, that is just how hurt Liverpool fans were, and still are, about the whole ordeal, with many believing that the boyhood Red has turned his back on the club he was supposed to love.So, it would be no surprise to see the scouser get a very hostile reaction, with it very likely that he will be booed every time he touches the ball.It will certainly be a shame given the legacy he built up, but at the same time, it is understandable given how his time at Liverpool came to an end.