Trent Alexander-Arnold's Liverpool comeback and Steven Gerrard's disappointment

Trent Alexander-Arnold's move to Real Madrid has been marked by disciplinary problems, an England squad omission, and a frosty reception on his Anfield return

Trent Alexander-Arnold has had a mixed time at Real Madrid since his move from Liverpool(Image: Getty Images)

It wasn't meant to pan out like this.

Trent Alexander-Arnold, a Premier League champion and a legend at the tender age of 26, departed Liverpool for Real Madrid last summer. Yet his stint in Madrid has been marred by injuries, a dip in form, and even rumors of an early exit. The defender was reportedly left out of a recent starting line-up due to disciplinary issues after arriving late for training.

But it hasn't been all bad news for the European Cup winner. Alexander-Arnold has featured in 25 matches for Los Blancos this season, earning plaudits for his performance in the recent Champions League clash against Manchester City.

But there's no denying that the full-back would have wished for a smoother transition to life in Madrid. Liverpool.com delves deeper into Alexander-Arnold's trials and tribulations.

Rule breach

The 27-year-old has been in the starting line-up for all of Madrid's last four Champions League games and, before last week's win over Elche, had played in five consecutive La Liga matches.

However, Dani Carvajal was chosen as right-back against Atletico Madrid on Sunday, with reports suggesting Alexander-Arnold was benched due to lateness at a training session.

Trent Alexander-Arnold returned to Anfield in November with Real Madrid(Image: Getty Images)

Spanish publication Marca reported that Alexander-Arnold "arrived late to one of the final training sessions of the week," prompting Arbeloa to deliver a "clear message with a decision focused on discipline and dressing room order." Marca added that Arbeloa "respected the team's code of conduct and made the necessary decision to maintain order within the group."

Anfield return

Alexander-Arnold probably didn't expect to face his boyhood club again so soon. Liverpool hosted Madrid at Anfield in the Champions League last November, just months after his exit, and the welcome he received was fairly predictable.

The right-back began the match on the substitutes' bench for Los Blancos. After Liverpool had taken a 1-0 lead, the atmosphere intensified further when Alexander-Arnold was introduced with 10 minutes remaining.

The ex-Anfield hero was largely greeted with boos as he stepped onto the pitch. Fans then pointedly sang about club legend Steven Gerrard and Alexander-Arnold's replacement at right-back, Conor Bradley, sending an unmistakable message to their former player.

This could preview what awaits Alexander-Arnold should both Liverpool and Madrid progress through their Champions League quarterfinal matches, potentially setting up a semifinal showdown between the teams.

Gerrard's disappointment

Gerrard has voiced his astonishment at Alexander-Arnold's exclusion from England's squad for the forthcoming international games. The Madrid player was left out of Thomas Tuchel's 35-man selection for friendly encounters with Uruguay and Japan.

Tino Livramento and Djed Spence were picked as England's right-backs, with Reece James unavailable through injury. Alexander-Arnold hasn't featured for his nation since the 1-0 win against Andorra in June. "Listen, we've got some good options at right-back," Gerrard said. "Reece James is world-class. I really like Livramento; I know he's had a couple of injuries, but he can play both sides.

"I understand the selection, but I just think, 'Is Trent among the best 35 players in this country?' Of course he is. There's going to be certain games where England have to open the door, they might be against a low block where it's really frustrating, and Trent is one of these players who can come off the bench and just completely change the game with one pass, he's that level of a player.

"So I am surprised, and I'm disappointed for him. But there's a lot of other situations that you've got to take into consideration. How much has he played? Is he physically at his best? Is there stuff going on off the pitch?"