Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has insisted that he has deliberately not asked about Trent Alexander-Arnold’s future amid speculation over his move to Real Madrid.
The Dutch defender said that his main focus at the moment is to his teammate to return to his best form after recovering from injury.
Alexander-Arnold, whose contract with the Reds expires in June, is reportedly getting closer to the Anfield exit door.
Although there has been no official agreement, speculation about his departure to Real Madrid has grown stronger as a contract extension agreement has not been reached.
However, for Van Dijk, it is too early to interfere in a decision that is entirely in the hands of the 26-year-old right-back.
“He’s already under enough pressure, so there’s no point in me adding to the burden by asking things like that,” said Van Dijk after the match against Leicester, where Alexander-Arnold scored the winning goal.
“Our focus is on getting him back fit and seeing him play as important as he did today.”
Trent was impressive in the match, marking his comeback after a long absence. His only goal not only brought Liverpool closer to their second Premier League title since 1990, but also revived the spirit of the fans who continued to sing his name throughout the match.
Van Dijk was even seen pushing Trent closer to the ers’ stand after the match, as if giving the stage for the “Sco in our team” to receive a proper welcome.
“Trent has been an extraordinary player since I ed this club. Whatever happens in the future, he will always be ed for his contribution,” continued Van Dijk.
“But for now, he is a Liverpool player and very important for us.”
While the public and media continue to speculate, Van Dijk chose a more personal approach. He reminded that footballers are also ordinary humans who go through the ups and downs of life.
“Sometimes we forget that he is also human. He has been through a lot in the last few months. What is important now is that we still have five games left and we need Trent to be at his best.”
With his form back to bite and his vital role in the squad, the Anfield crowd seems to still be hoping that the local son will stay for a while longer. But for now, Trent’s future remains a mystery – and as Van Dijk said, that is something Trent himself must resolve.
