CHAMPIONS LEAGUE
A trip down Trent-Alexander Arnold’s Liverpool neighborhood
AS visits Clubmoor, where TAA went from child to star. The locals hope he rejects Madrid’s advances: “I’d rather leave!” says one neighbor.
Born and bred in Liverpool, Trent Alexander-Arnold has played for his hometown club all of his life - since entering the youth academy aged six in 1998. The kid from Clubmoor, where he is a local hero.
He represents the most powerful thing for any little kid: dreams can come true. From kick-arounds in alleys and parks, with views of Anfield, it is possible to become an Anfield idol.
The local community are well aware Trent could possibly leave this summer - maybe to Real Madrid, the team which Liverpool face in the Champions League on on Wednesday night.
AS visits Clubmoor, the district that saw him go from child to star. And chats to the locals who are fiercely proud of their famous son, and would be traumatized if he ever leaves.
Trent’s contract expires in June and he will be able to start talking to other clubs from 1 January. Real Madrid, who are scouring the markets for a right-back, a replacement for a local lad of their own, Dani Carvajal, have been strongly linked to the Liverpool defender.
Alexander-Arnold‘s Clubmoor neighbors, who chatted to AS about the situation, make their thoughts known loud and clear. They don’t want him to go and hope he renews.
Trent is their flag bearer, the player displayed on one of the emblematic murals around the corner from Anfield - which bears the statement: “I’m just a normal boy from Liverpool who has seen his dream come true.”
TAA’s solidarity with the community
To this day, his contract has still not been renewed... The buzz in and around Clubmoor is undeniable, although people on the streets refuse to believe it: “I can’t believe he’s leaving, it can’t be, it would break my heart. Trent is our neighbor.” That word pops up a lot when the discussion turns to Alexander-Arnold: “Neighbor” a trending Topic on that curious social network that is real life. People empathize with his story in the same way he does with his own people. He is regularly seen collaborating with the San Andrés Community Network, a social home in his neighborhood that collects basic goods and distributes them to those most in need.
And it is a common misconception that footballers never forget their origins, but in Trent’s case, it’s completely true. He’s just a normal lad. Humble, human. But also very sought after.
Today, Carlo Ancelotti’s Real Madrid will land in his home city, although without knowing if they will play against him. He is carrying a hamstring injury and had yet to return to full team training. It’s unlikely that Reds manager Arne Slot will take any risks. “His return will be between Real Madrid and Manchester City (this Sunday),” the Dutchman said. For now that’s all we know. All will become clearer after this afternoon’s press conference but as it stands, it looks like Conor Bradley will deputise.
Bellingham, his close friend
Meanwhile, the morbid curiosity is there. Alexander-Arnold has not renewed his contract and, at 26, Madrid view him as a Galactic reinforcement - an England international available on a free. A player with a golden future.
Trent, the most valuable right-back in the world, (70 million euros according to Transfermarkt) dreams of making his mark in football history. And with a right-hand man almost fallen from the sky... Jude Bellingham and Trent are best friends. Liverpool have every reason to feel anxious, although some refute it. Maybe some of it is plain denial but on Merseyside, the tension is palpable.
Unanimity in the neighborhood
“I’ll be leaving first!” shouts Kate, a Clubmoor resident as she takes her pet Shih Tzu for a walk past the church. The little dog is barking - obviously not liking the idea of Trent packing his bags either. A metaphor for unanimity. Close by, two huge fields have been turned into 10 football pitches. Today, as it’s a Monday morning, there are no kids playing - that would have been a bad sign. But at the weekend it’s packed with children playing football and dreaming of becoming the next “Local boy who has seen his dream come true”. Trent played on the very same pitches. And he has shown them the way.
“It’s not all about money”
“Some people have to learn that not everything in life is about money,” one family tell us, ending the conversation there.
“Aren’t you worried that he hasn’t renewed yet?” we ask John. His response: “I think it’s normal for the boy to have doubts, stopping and thinking is human; but I know he’ll end up doing the right thing.” Does that means staying? we reply. “Yes, and for many years,” he concludes. As we walk away, he turns around and, with a smile, shouts: “Trent is staying! ” The word from a neighbor.
One more in a district of humble and simple people, but close. Some warmth in a cold region, because the country is in general. An oasis that acts as a springboard for so many. On its streets, the flags of You’ll Never Walk Alone begin, which point towards the stadium, like a yellow brick road.
The metaphor may be a thoughtful message, but it is real. Alexander-Arnold is not just another English player. He is the boy from Clubmoor. A local boy done good, a neighbor. His people do not want him to leave. Nobody, from children to the elderly. Madrid and Bellingham, yes. For now, let it be.