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Former Liverpool midfielder Dietmar Hamann has suggested Trent Alexander-Arnold should get a “hero’s reception” upon his return to Anfield today.
The Reds’ ex-vice-captain is back on Merseyside with Real Madrid for the latest Champions League league phase encounter, which sees a replay of last season’s game, which Liverpool won 2-0.
Much of the talk ahead of kick-off has surrounded the reception Alexander-Arnold can expect back at Anfield. Although the Liverpool academy graduate has been assured of a warm welcome from his former teammates and Arne Slot, he might not be afforded the same sort of greeting from the club’s supporters.
A number of fans still feel disgruntled with the manner in which he left the club earlier this year, having run down his contract before announcing his departure before the end of the season.
Alexander-Arnold was loudly booed by supporters when he came off the bench against Arsenal shortly after his announcement, and although he was afforded a more friendly reception on his final appearance for the club, there is clearly still some bitterness from some supporters, with the 27-year-old’s mural near Anfield having been vadalized ahead of today’s game.
It is expected, therefore, that he could be in for another frosty reception upon his return to Anfield, although Hamann feels he should get a positive reaction from the home supporters.
“I hope he gets a very good reception, a hero’s reception, that's what he deserves,” Hamann told footballblog.co.uk.
“He made a decision in the summer, and I think it was his decision to leave. He still should have some great years ahead of him, but he gave some of his best years to the club. He was a great servant, a great player for the club.
“Coming through the youth teams, playing for his club from the city that he was born in, it obviously hurts to see him leave, but I don't think he deserves anything else than a hero's reception.
“I know people said he shouldn't have gone on a free, but it's business as much as it's football. He's done wonderful things for the club, he’s been a brilliant player. I always loved watching him. I hope he gets the reception he deserves.”
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Asked what Liverpool needs to do to be Real, Hamann added: “Apart from the game in Istanbul (vs Galatasaray), I think Liverpool have done quite well in the Champions League. One of their best performances of the season was when they demolished Eintracht Frankfurt.
“They just have to show that same urgency and desire when they are out of possession as they did last season. I think they've been lacking a little bit there.
“I think Andy Robertson will come into the team and hopefully he gets a spell in the left-back position now. I think that intensity, urgency, Liverpool have lacked it a little bit in the season so far. As I said, in the Champions League it's been a bit different. If they do that, I think they have a very good chance to beat Real Madrid and I think they will do it.”
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