Kewell backs Alexander-Arnold's Liverpool call
Trent Alexander-Arnold has “earned the right” to pursue a new challenge away from Liverpool, so says Australia great Harry Kewell.
Alexander-Arnold's contract expires at the end of June, and he announced that he will be leaving Liverpool.
The 26 year-old joined Liverpool’s academy in 2004 and rose through the ranks before making his first-team debut under Jurgen Klopp in 2016.
He has since amassed 352 appearances for the Reds in all competitions, scoring 23 goals and registering an impressive 92 assists.
A key figure in the side that ended Liverpool’s 30-year wait for a league title, Alexander-Arnold has won two Premier League titles and a Champions League crown in his nine years with the senior team.
Kewell, who was part of the Liverpool side that won the Champions League in 2005, believes Alexander-Arnold should not be faulted for choosing to leave the club.
“I’m probably not going to win a lot of fans over for this, but I think Trent has done amazing things at Liverpool,” Kewell said.
“To win virtually everything possible – that’s phenomenal. If he now wants a new challenge, if that’s the path he chooses, then fair play to him.
“I understand the frustration from fans, but he’s achieved everything with Liverpool. He’s allowed to think about his own path now.
“And if that means going abroad to challenge himself again, so be it. He’s earned that right.”
Alexander-Arnold has been heavily linked with a move to Real Madrid, and Kewell acknowledged the magnitude of the step.
“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," he said.
“That’s a club with just as much expectation. 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.
“And we all know what he’s capable of. His passing range is phenomenal. I’ve said it before: he’s probably one of the best crossers we’ve ever seen in the Premier League.”
Indeed, Alexander-Arnold’s passing prowess has drawn widespread acclaim. He leaves Anfield having registered more assists (64) than any other defender in Premier League history.
In fact, only Leighton Baines (85) has more goal contributions among defenders in the English top-flight than Alexander-Arnold (82), though the England international's defending has at times been called into question.
Speaking on Alexander-Arnold’s defensive abilities, Kewell said: “Yes, there’s a trade-off. Defensively, he’s not a natural defender, but what he gives you in attack is outstanding.
“And he’s been able to do that in part because he’s had someone like Virgil van Dijk behind him – arguably the best defender the Premier League has seen. That gives him the freedom to push forward and influence games.”
