Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has warned Trent Alexander-Arnold to expect a tough reception when he returns to Anfield as they plan to “make it very difficult” for the England right-back. Arne Slot’s team are set to face Real Madrid in the Champions League, with Alexander-Arnold likely to be on the bench for the Spanish giants.
The full-back, who made 353 appearances for Liverpool after joining as a youngster, was booed by fans following his announcement that he would be leaving Anfield before the end of last season. If he steps onto the pitch against Slot’s side, it’s unlikely to be a warm welcome for the academy graduate, despite his impressive record of winning a Champions League, two Premier Leagues, an FA Cup and a League Cup with Liverpool.
Van Dijk, his former captain, believes there will be little sentimentality if he ends up facing off against Alexander-Arnold.
He said: “I think Trent is a quality player. He showed it so many times. He’s a very gifted player and he was important for us over all those years. I was very happy to have him in my team.
“We have been very successful, but now he’s an opponent on Tuesday. If he plays then we have to make it very difficult for him to do what he’s good at.”
Despite Alexander-Arnold maintaining contact with several of his old team-mates, Van Dijk revealed he hasn’t been one of them.
“Not much, no,” he responded when asked if he still spoke to the 27-year-old defender. “Nothing personal whatsoever. Obviously I live my life and he lives his life in Madrid.”
When questioned about whether he anticipates a hostile atmosphere for Alexander-Arnold on Tuesday night, Van Dijk responded: “I’m not going to comment on that. I think he’s been outstanding in his time in Liverpool and that’s the only thing I can say.”
When pressed further on the potential hostility, he simply stated: “Let’s see.”
Following their clash with Real Madrid, Liverpool are set to face Manchester City in the Premier League on Sunday.
“And then I go to the international team and hopefully qualify for the World Cup as well. Massive weeks ahead,” Van Dijk declared, appearing to be back in form after Liverpool’s 2-0 victory over Aston Villa at Anfield on Sunday.
This marked Liverpool’s first clean sheet since mid-September, and Van Dijk is hopeful it signifies a return to consistent top form.
He added: “There’s so much football to be played still and so much we have to focus. Even when we were winning games, focus on the game ahead. Stay fit, make sure you’re in form and when you play, perform.
“And every three or four days, there’s an opportunity to do that. So on to the next and then we’ll see by March time or whatever, where you are.”