Trent Alexander-Arnold should feel hard done by as Real Madrid gamble backfires
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Liverpool FC NewsFeaturesTrent Alexander-ArnoldTrent Alexander-Arnold will be forced to watch this summer's World Cup from afar, but the ex-Liverpool man will have every right to feel hard done by as he wonders 'what if?'Trent Alexander-Arnold was the forgotten man as Thomas Tuchel named his 26-man England squad(Image: Getty Images)Trent Alexander-Arnold broke the hearts of Liverpool fans last summer, and there'll be a fair few allowing themselves a wry smile at the defender missing out on the England squad for the World Cup - but few could argue he doesn't deserve to be in the 26-man team.Alexander-Arnold's final year at Anfield was plagued with constant speculation about his future, with Real Madrid always the most likely destination for him considering the end of his contract was coming up. When January 2025 came around, and Madrid tried its hand at getting him a few months early, it became little more than an open secret and Reds fans started to turn their backs on him.The season ended with Liverpool securing the Premier League title with ease, and Alexander-Arnold holding a farewell party at the club's training ground - much to the displeasure of supporters - before he made his grand Madrid gamble.READ MORE: Pep Guardiola's new job confirmed immediately after Man City exit announcementREAD MORE: Every word Arne Slot said on Mo Salah statement, Alisson and Isak injury latest and summer plansAlexander-Arnold was trading being beloved for the chance to play for the biggest club in the world.
He was destined to become Liverpool captain after Virgil van Dijk's inevitable departure, but instead he's struggled with injuries, watched the head coach he loved - Xabi Alonso - forced out, and now the biggest setback of all; he'll be watching the World Cup from the comfort of his sofa.His teammate and friend Jude Bellingham will be leading Thomas Tuchel's team in the United States, and realistically the right-back should be right there with him.Alexander-Arnold may be the most gifted footballer England has produced since Wayne Rooney, but bizarrely enough, it's that very talent that may be the reason for his exclusion.Trent Alexander-Arnold was snubbed by England head coach Thomas Tuchel(Image: Photo by Joan Valls/Urbanandsport/NurPhoto via Getty Images)The 27-year-old has been tried in midfield before for the Three Lions, and it hasn't worked. He's a man in limbo.There's no denying Liverpool would have been streets better this season if Arne Slot was still naming his former No.66 in defense.
Nobody can collect the ball deep in his team's half and create a chance with one swing of their right foot - but Alexander-Arnold can.Why Tuchel wouldn't want a playmaker like that in his team, I can't quite figure out. Reece James is a fine footballer and brilliant defender - he might even be better than Alexander-Arnold at that - but his creative output doesn't come close.READ MORE: Who is Samuel Martinez?