Man United move cited as Liverpool fans ‘want to be accountants’ on Alexander-Arnold
Sky Sports pundits have defended Trent Alexander-Arnold for giving everything to the club whilst simultaneously criticising Liverpool fans for wanting to be “accountants”.
Alexander-Arnold is set to join Real Madrid this summer, after reportedly agreeing personal terms with the Spanish giants.
The right-back has won all there is to win at club level since emerging from the Reds’ academy in 2016.
However, that has not stopped some Liverpool fans from criticising Alexander-Arnold for being on the brink of leaving his boyhood club.
Some believe the right-back should have signed a contract extension to guarantee a transfer fee for the club, but pundits Paul Merson and Tim Sherwood have defended the England international’s decision.
Antony exit compared to Alexander-Arnold move
Whilst the lack of transfer fee will make finding a replacement for Alexander-Arnold more difficult, Merson highlighted the right-back’s key role in the club’s recent successes, whilst also pointing out the Reds were not losing out financially in the same way arch-rivals Man United are, having spent a huge sum on Antony, only to loan him out to Real Betis this season.
Speaking on Sky Sports Soccer Saturday on 29 March, the former Arsenal man said (1.50pm): “I don’t know why [they’re so upset], he’s come through the ranks, he’s given them more… I don’t know what the problem is, he’s come through there, he’s been unbelievable, the kid, he’s won everything in the game there at Liverpool and he’s gonna go on a free.
“Look at Antony, Antony’s been bought for Man United for £80million. He’s out on loan, no-one says a dickie bird.
“This lad has been absolutely outstanding for Liverpool, he hasn’t come in as a £60million flop…
“Fair play to the lad, good luck to him, and I think Liverpool fans should be happy for him. He’s given everything for that club and he deserves that move in my opinion.”
Former Tottenham manager, Sherwood, then added to Merson’s point by highlighting Liverpool have had the opportunity to keep Alexander-Arnold and that fans should focus less on trying to be “accountants”, saying (1.52pm): “He’s done brilliant for the football club. He deserves the opportunity to do whatever he wants.
“I listen to fans a lot. They become fans and then all of a sudden they want to be accountants when it comes to their players leaving their football club or whatever.
“He’s leaving for nothing, so what? If you want to give him £500m to stay and turn down Real Madrid then do it.”
Conor Bradley allows Arne Slot to adapt Liverpool to deal
Football Insider Verdict
Amidst the success of teams like Brentford, Brighton, Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest has been a consistent tactical shift in the Premier League.
In previous years, ball retention and silky passing was seen as the ideal way to play, essentially emulating Pep Guardiola’s Man City side.
However, this year, pacey and direct wingers are now in vogue, often paired with goal-hunting strikers and midfielders who thrive on transitioning the ball forward quickly.
| 2024/25 Premier League stats | Alexander-Arnold |
| Appearances | 28 |
| Starts | 26 |
| Goals | 2 |
| Assists | 6 |
| Minutes | 2,157 |
The Premier League is regaining it’s trademark pace, the one you hear pundits talking about when a new player comes in from abroad, which is something Alexander-Arnold struggled to deal with.
Against United, Amad gave the right-back an afternoon to forget, whilst Liverpool also struggled to deal with Forest (twice) and Fulham this season, who both employ a more direct style of football.
With Conor Bradley now the de facto first-choice at right-back, the Northern Irishman and the Reds are more suited to deal with quick transitions, both going forward and backwards.
In some ways, Alexander-Arnold leaving will allow Liverpool to keep up with the development in style in the league, something that Man City have struggled to do this season, in spite of their dominance in the previous four seasons.