Former Liverpool midfielder Harry has come to the defense of Trent Alexander-Arnold amid recent criticism over his decision to run down his contract at Anfield and seek opportunities elsewhere.
Following months of speculation regarding his future as a result of his expiring contract, Trent Alexander-Arnold is widely expected to depart Liverpool at the end of the season after opting not to tow in the steps of Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk who recently extended their contracts.
Since making his debut in 2016, Alexander-Arnold has enjoyed a trophy-laden spell with the Reds, winning nearly every major honour available: the Champions League, Premier League, FA Cup, EFL Cup, Community Shield, UEFA Super Cup, and FIFA Club World Cup.
Most recently, he scored the decisive goal in Liverpool’s 1-0 win over Leicester City on Sunday, pushing the team closer to a second Premier League title.
Yet, despite his contribution, the defender has come under fire from sections of the Liverpool fanbase for not committing his future to the club. Jamie Carragher even suggested after the Leicester match that new manager Arne Slot should consider dropping him if he intends to leave.
What Harry Kewell said
However, Kewell, a Champions League and FA Cup winner with the club himself, expressed no resentment toward Alexander-Arnold potentially moving on.
“I’m probably not going to win a lot of fans with this, but I think Trent has done amazing things at Liverpool,” he told Stats Perform.
“To virtually win everything possible… that’s phenomenal. If he now wants a new challenge, if that’s the path he chooses, then fair play to him.
“Liverpool are one of the biggest clubs in the world, but he’s not going to a smaller club; he’s going to Real Madrid. That’s a club with just as much expectations.
“The pressure there will be huge, but he’s used to that. The pressure of playing at Anfield is massive. I remember when I played, opponents used to dread coming to Anfield. They’d be like, ‘Oh my God, the pressure is too much’.
“He’s lived that. He’s earned the right to choose his next step. I understand the frustration from fans, but he’s achieved everything with Liverpool.
“He’s allowed to think about his own path now. If that means going abroad to challenge himself again, so be it. He’s earned that right.”
Olaoluwa is a dedicated sports writer and passionate football enthusiast with two years of experience. Known for his keen analysis and commitment to the game, his work reflects a deep love for football, blending strategic insight with the emotional moments that make it a global passion. He is focused on honing his skills and consistently aims to inspire and engage readers through every article he writes.
