6 hours ago
26
Liverpool's Virgil van Dijk has stated that the Reds will aim to "make it very difficult" for Trent Alexander-Arnold upon his return to Anfield.
Arne Slot's team is set to face Real Madrid in the Champions League, with the Spanish club likely to have Alexander-Arnold on the bench. The full-back has just returned from a hamstring injury, having made a slow start to his Madrid career.
He played 353 times for Liverpool after joining the club as a youngster. However, Alexander-Arnold was met with boos from Liverpool supporters after he announced - prior to the end of last season - that he would be departing Anfield.
If he steps onto the pitch for the match against Slot's team, it's unlikely to be a warm reception for the local lad, despite his previous successes at Liverpool, which include a Champions League title, two Premier Leagues, an FA Cup and an EFL Cup.
His former captain believes there will be little sentiment involved if he ends up facing off against Alexander-Arnold.
Van Dijk elaborated: "I think Trent is a quality player. He showed it so many times. He’s a very gifted player, and he was important for us over all those years. I was very happy to have him in my team.
"We have been very successful, but now he's an opponent on Tuesday. If he plays, then we have to make it very difficult for him to do what he's good at."
Although Alexander-Arnold has maintained contact with several of his old colleagues, Van Dijk hasn't been one of them. "Not much, no," he responded when asked if he still communicated with the 27-year-old.
"Nothing personal whatsoever. Obviously, I live my life and he lives his life in Madrid."
When questioned about whether he wants a hostile atmosphere for Alexander-Arnold on Tuesday, Van Dijk responded: "I'm not going to comment on that. I think he's been outstanding in his time in Liverpool and that's the only thing I can say."
When pressed further about the potential hostility, he simply stated: "Let's see."
Following their clash with Real Madrid, Liverpool are set to face Manchester City in the Premier League on Sunday.
"And then I go to the international team and hopefully qualify for the World Cup as well. Massive weeks ahead," added Van Dijk, who appeared back in form during the 2-0 victory over Aston Villa at Anfield last weekend.
This marked Liverpool's first clean sheet since mid-September, and Van Dijk is hopeful it signifies a return to consistent top form. He said: "There's so much football to be played still, and so much we have to focus.
"Even when we were winning games, focus on the game ahead. Stay fit, make sure you're in form, and when you play, perform. And every three or four days, there's an opportunity to do that. So on to the next and then we'll see by March time or whatever, where you are."
English (US) ·