Hendrick on Trent: “We’re Better Off Without Him If His Head’s in Madrid” | OneFootball

Trent Alexander-Arnold’s Anfield Future Under Scrutiny Following Manchester United Draw

Liverpool’s vice-captain Trent Alexander-Arnold finds himself at the centre of a heated debate following his lacklustre performance against Manchester United. The latest episode of the Daily Red Podcast, hosted by Dave Hendrick on Anfield Index, delved deep into the fallout from Liverpool’s 2-2 draw at Anfield. The episode sparked passionate discussions about Trent’s form, commitment, and potential future with Liverpool amid persistent rumours of interest from Real Madrid.

Trent’s Performance Raises Alarm Bells

Hendrick didn’t hold back in his criticism of Alexander-Arnold, labelling his display against Manchester United as “the worst game he has ever had.” The right-back’s defensive frailties were brutally exposed by United’s attack. Hendrick observed, “The biggest talking point coming out of the game for a lot of Liverpool fans is the performance of Trent – the lack of effort.” He highlighted clips circulating on social media, showing Trent ambling back during defensive transitions.

Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher, both of whom were present on the post-match show, pointed out that United’s players repeatedly targeted Trent. Hendrick added, “The very first time Diogo Dalot got the ball, he just went straight for Trent. His eyes lit up like a kid at Christmas.”

Photo: IMAGO

Leadership and Accountability in the Dressing Room

The discussion also turned to the role of Liverpool’s senior players. Hendrick stressed the importance of experienced figures like Virgil van Dijk and Alisson Becker stepping in to address Trent’s performance and attitude. “If a United player had put in that performance under Roy Keane’s captaincy, they’d be having a meeting today with that player – no coaches, just the players,” Hendrick asserted.

Photo: IMAGO

He further commented on Van Dijk’s visible frustration during the game, noting, “When Trent gave the ball away in the 81st minute and Virgil had to cover for him, you could see Virgil was done with him.” This moment epitomised the growing concerns within the squad about Trent’s focus and dedication.

The Real Madrid Factor and Liverpool’s Expectations

Persistent rumours of a move to Real Madrid have loomed over Alexander-Arnold in recent months. Hendrick suggested that the speculation might be affecting his performances. He argued, “If Trent’s head is in Madrid, then let him stay home. We’re better off without him if that’s the case.”

However, Hendrick also acknowledged Trent’s immense talent and what he means to Liverpool fans. “None of us want Trent to go,” he said. “But what we saw yesterday is unacceptable. He looked disinterested and disconnected from the team.”

Carragher’s take on the situation was equally blunt. He mentioned that if Trent is serious about leaving, he should do so respectfully and through the front door. He drew comparisons with former Liverpool players like Ian Rush, who left for Juventus but returned to Anfield with his reputation intact.

Arne Slot’s Tactical Choices Questioned

Another key point of discussion in the podcast was Arne Slot’s tactical decisions during the game. Hendrick felt that Slot was slow to react to Manchester United’s setup, saying, “I didn’t think the manager did great during the game. He should have made changes at half-time.” He suggested that bringing on Wataru Endo for Curtis Jones and pushing Ryan Gravenberch further forward would have strengthened Liverpool’s midfield.

Hendrick also highlighted how Liverpool’s midfield looked too soft, with Alexis Mac Allister being the only player showing defensive grit. “When Mac Allister is the toughest player in your midfield, you’ve taken a misstep somewhere,” he remarked.

Liverpool’s Title Hopes Remain Intact

Despite the disappointment of the draw, Hendrick offered some perspective. Liverpool remain six points clear at the top of the Premier League table with a game in hand. He reminded listeners, “The title is still ours to win. We are six points clear, and we have the best attack in the league.”

The podcast ended on a hopeful note, urging fans not to lose sight of the bigger picture. However, the lingering question remains: Will Trent Alexander-Arnold commit to Liverpool and rediscover his best form, or is his mind already set on a future elsewhere?