Hero or villain? – Liverpool star faces career-defining decision this Christmas

Jamie Carragher taught Jamie Redknapp what it takes to become a Liverpool legend amid a contract debate about Trent Alexander-Arnold. Carragher reminded Redknapp that Trent’s relationship with the Reds fanbase could go two ways with his decision to stay or leave.

The 26-year-old learnt everything at Liverpool, developing from a young kid with massive potential to a world-class attacking fullback. Alexander-Arnold has already won every major trophy with Liverpool under the successful regime of Jurgen Klopp who provided him opportunities.

However, all of those victories came before he reached the peak years of his career while surrounded by great players. Now, Alexander-Arnold is one of the leaders of the Liverpool squad, and he has more responsibility for potential Liverpool success.

Regarding the Super Sunday post-match analysis (via YouTube), Carragher and Redknapp collided over the contract situation between Trent and Liverpool. Carragher said:

“I just think as a local player, it is a long time living in that city. Trent has been at the club for 20 years. I don’t think it would be nice for Liverpool supporters to feel like, ‘Hang on, we are winning everything, what more do you want?'”

Redknapp quickly interjected when Carragher claimed that the Liverpool fans would not consider Alexander-Arnold a legend as the same happened to Steve McManaman and Michel Owen. The former Liverpool midfielder argued that McManaman’s two European titles with Real Madrid leaves no room for regret for him. He said:

 “I think you’re being really, really unfair. You can’t turn around and tell him to sign a contract. If he gets injured after signing a contract, then what happens? He has got an opportunity for a five-year deal or whatever at Real and try something different. I have total respect for whatever it is he wants to do because he has given everything to Liverpool.”

Redknapp never reached a level where he could understand the significance of having a legacy at a club like Liverpool. Understandably, the former England midfielder values trophies and cultural exposure over relationships, as well as a sense of inclusivity and gratitude.

Nevertheless, Carragher highlighted one of the reasons why leaving Liverpool for European rival Real Madrid would ruin Trent’s legacy. He added:

“If I was advising Trent, a lot of it is to do with the free transfer. It is that feeling that you are leaving us for nothing, where is our money to replace you? I would say, sign a contract, have a decent buyout clause and if Real want to buy you in 12 months…”

Alexander-Arnold’s choice: The next Steven Gerrard or just another Michael Owen

There is no denying that Alexander-Arnold has already delivered a lot for Liverpool since earning a promotion from the Academy. However, Liverpool provided him with every tool and environment to develop as one of the elite players in this world.

The situation is complex, given the callous role that management has played in allowing the contract situation to reach this far. However, for Liverpool fans, some factors will supersede all the good Trent has done so far if he leaves for Real as a free agent. Those factors are-

Free agent

Alexander-Arnold leaving Liverpool as a free agent is a disaster for the club that operates under a limited budget. If we look at the right back from a cold practical lens, he is one of the top Liverpool assets.

The England international is one of the best playmakers in the world and has the reputation of an elite player. He easily fits more than a 100 million player bracket in the market with no fullback matching his assists tally.

Liverpool lacks the weather and many other lures to attract top players so the potential future teammates and coach play a big factor. Alexander-Arnold is one of those factors, a local hero and a world-class teammate to play with.

Prime years

If Trent joins any other club, he will leave Liverpool in his peak years which will hurt the fans. The 26-year-old fulfilled his potential at Anfield and dreamt of captaining Liverpool like Gerrard did as a world-class Scouse player.

Liverpool will continue to compete for Champions League which means that Alexander-Arnold at any European club is their adversary. Redknapp failed to understand this notion as he never reached the level Alexander-Arnold has, staying as once fan-favourite.

A local Scouse

Only privileged and oblivious individuals who ignore the ground reality and essence of supporting Liverpool can negate emotional connection. That is the attitude which Redknapp displayed when Carragher made many valid points from a Liverpool fan’s perspective.

Carragher annoyed many fans with his recent opinion on Mohamed Salah but once again showed that he understands the fanbase. Furthermore, Real are the biggest antagonist for the Reds outside of England with ideals and methodology polar opposite to what Liverpool stands for.

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Liverpool is a workingman’s club that believes in family values and achieving things the hard way. We don’t create “Galacticos”, stealing talents from other clubs and using off-field politics to manipulate competition for stat-padding in trophies.