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Gary Lineker has echoed Jamie Redknapp's sentiments about Liverpool feeling the absence of Trent Alexander-Arnold this season.
The right-back fulfilled his dream move to Real Madrid in a transfer that sparked controversy, following months of speculation about his future. His decision to leave, announced in May, was met with disbelief and anger from many devoted Reds who couldn't fathom why he would want to depart his boyhood club for what they saw as a significant European competitor.
Adding to the controversy was the belief that Alexander-Arnold had intentionally allowed his contract to expire, resulting in Liverpool receiving no compensation for his departure. The defender faced a chorus of boos when he came on against Arsenal at Anfield immediately after the announcement.
However, after public support from Andy Robertson and former manager Jurgen Klopp, the crowd's reaction was more mixed during his final game, which brought him to tears. New boss Arne Slot was hopeful that promising defender Conor Bradley and $40 million summer signing Jeremie Frimpong could adequately replace Alexander-Arnold.
Despite his world-class ball skills, Alexander-Arnold had often been criticized for his inconsistent defensive performances. However, former Premier League star Lineker has expressed his worries about Slot's team, arguing they lack the 27-year-old's attacking influence this campaign.
Speaking on the Rest is Football podcast after Liverpool's third straight defeat, a 2-1 loss against Chelsea, Lineker remarked: "In terms of creativity, as much as anything else, I think they're really missing Trent [Alexander-Arnold].
"Before that, sometimes Trent would go forward, and they would, perhaps, get exposed defensively. But what he gives you going the other way, it's impossible to replace.
"There is not another player I can think of in world football who plays that position [right-back] in the way that he plays it offensively. I also think that Mo [Salah] is missing him, that connection that they had.
"Yes, sometimes they would get exposed in behind, but they would have someone try and cover that position - last season it was mostly [Dominik] Szoboszlai, previous to that would be Jordan Henderson. You've got to say it was worth his weight in gold going forward, and I always used to say, 'Stop worrying about him [Alexander-Arnold] making the odd tiny mistake defensively, because what he gives you the other way is incredible."
His sentiments mirror former Liverpool midfielder Redknapp's observations from last weekend when he commented: "They've got problems at full-back. They're missing Trent [Alexander-Arnold].
"They haven't played the same right-back since the Burnley game. Bradley had a tough 45 minutes."
Considering the remarks made by both parties and the months of simmering fan frustration, it's perhaps more evident now just how much Alexander-Arnold contributed to Liverpool. The defender had always been candid about how challenging it would be for him to move on, having previously stated before his free transfer: "I'll always be a Liverpool fan."
In explaining his decision to depart, Alexander-Arnold told the official Liverpool website: "I've sacrificed everything, I've done everything I've ever needed to do to try to help the team win games. And no matter what, that will never change.
"I'll forever be a fan of the club, there'll be no change in that. I'll always be watching the games, I'll be supporting from a distance. But in terms of a player at the club I think now is the right time for me to move on and challenge myself elsewhere."
His words underscored his deep affection for the club, and his difficult start at Real Madrid may have exacerbated any feelings of homesickness. Alexander-Arnold didn't make an immediate impact in his first few matches for Real Madrid, failing to score or provide an assist.
Even prior to his injury against Marseille last month, he was already facing criticism, with some sections of the Spanish media favouring the more dynamic and passionate approach of club legend Dani Carvajal in the same role. Alexander-Arnold might not be match-ready when Los Blancos next take on Getafe following the international break, and possibly even for El Clasico thereafter, marking a total of six weeks out.
A more feasible aim could be a thrilling reunion with his former team, Liverpool, in the Champions League on 4 November. The reaction of the Anfield faithful is yet to be determined, but the past few months may have provided ample time to ponder over his extraordinary twenty-year tenure at the club.
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