Trent Alexander-Arnold's recent foray into Spanish as a way to 'belong' has, ironically, sparked outrage among Liverpool fans and internet commenters alike. Critics point out that his decision to start learning Spanish while still under contract with Liverpool seems premature, given the circumstances.
However, Jonathan Liew argues that this narrative is just one in a self-reinforcing cycle of bad choices and judgments. The media and social discourse demand more from Alexander-Arnold than what he can deliver on the pitch, often at odds with his true strengths as a player.
Liew suggests that we're witnessing a shift towards fans prioritizing individual stars over their clubs, citing examples like Harry Kane and Lamine Yamal. But this trend is being exaggerated by internet discourse, which expects superstars to be selfless and unconditionally devoted.
One major concern for Alexander-Arnold is the loss of his starting spot in Liverpool's team due to injury and poor form under manager Xabi Alonso. Alonso prefers Fede Valverde at right-back despite not playing them out there traditionally.
This has led many to question whether Alexander-Arnold will ever find success with Real Madrid, given his struggles with fitness and the prevailing 'Trent orthodoxy'. Critics point to his high price tag as a transfer fee that Liverpool paid for him and argue he'll struggle at a club with much greater expectation around it.
However, Liew believes Alexander-Arnold remains an underrated player who could excel if allowed to do so. The right-back's skillset sets him apart from traditional defenders, combining midfield vision with defensive prowess.
Ultimately, whether Alexander-Arnold will make good on his potential and become a fan favorite is uncertain. What is clear is that he faces a tough road ahead at Real Madrid, balancing personal ambitions against the demands of being a high-profile player in Spain's capital.
However, Jonathan Liew argues that this narrative is just one in a self-reinforcing cycle of bad choices and judgments. The media and social discourse demand more from Alexander-Arnold than what he can deliver on the pitch, often at odds with his true strengths as a player.
Liew suggests that we're witnessing a shift towards fans prioritizing individual stars over their clubs, citing examples like Harry Kane and Lamine Yamal. But this trend is being exaggerated by internet discourse, which expects superstars to be selfless and unconditionally devoted.
One major concern for Alexander-Arnold is the loss of his starting spot in Liverpool's team due to injury and poor form under manager Xabi Alonso. Alonso prefers Fede Valverde at right-back despite not playing them out there traditionally.
This has led many to question whether Alexander-Arnold will ever find success with Real Madrid, given his struggles with fitness and the prevailing 'Trent orthodoxy'. Critics point to his high price tag as a transfer fee that Liverpool paid for him and argue he'll struggle at a club with much greater expectation around it.
However, Liew believes Alexander-Arnold remains an underrated player who could excel if allowed to do so. The right-back's skillset sets him apart from traditional defenders, combining midfield vision with defensive prowess.
Ultimately, whether Alexander-Arnold will make good on his potential and become a fan favorite is uncertain. What is clear is that he faces a tough road ahead at Real Madrid, balancing personal ambitions against the demands of being a high-profile player in Spain's capital.
I think people are missing the point with Trent Alexander-Arnold's Spanish journey 
. It's cool that he wants to learn a new language and connect with his heritage, but we need to remember that football is just a game 
. Let's not put too much pressure on him to be perfect 
. I mean, even the best players have bad days or get injured 
. What's important is how he performs on the pitch, not what language he speaks 
.
. Liew makes a good point about fans overestimating what stars can do off the pitch. What's more important is how Trent performs on the pitch, not just for Liverpool but his own team at Real Madrid 
.
. He just needs to find a balance between his game and the pressure that comes with being a high-profile player in Spain 
. People r always so quick 2 judge him but sometimes u gotta try new things & take risks 
. I mean think about it if hes really that rubbish at the pitch wudnt lfc b signing him in the first place? 
its all about perspective...
. Like, who cares if he speaks some Spanish on the pitch? It's not like it'll affect his game or anything. But I do get what Jonathan Liew is saying - the media and fans are always gonna have high expectations for players, especially superstars like Trent. And when they don't meet those expectations (like with his injury and form issues), everyone gets on their case 
. Meanwhile, Alexander-Arnold's trying to navigate his personal goals and ambitions while dealing with the pressure of playing for one of the biggest clubs in the world 
.
️. And let's be real, having a high price tag doesn't necessarily mean someone will struggle at Real Madrid 
. We've seen players like Kane who have adapted to new clubs and excelled 
. I'm curious to see how Alexander-Arnold will do, but for now, I think he needs time to prove himself 
#TrentAlexanderArnold #RealMadrid #LiverpoolFC
. Like, Trent Alexander-Arnold starts learning Spanish and suddenly he's gotta live up to some unattainable standard 
? Newsflash: it's okay to have interests outside the pitch, fam! 
Lamine Yamal? never heard of him, sounds like a French player or something... anywayz, I think Jonathan Liew makes some valid points about how fans and the media can put pressure on players to perform. it's not all doom and gloom for Alexander-Arnold, he's got skills and if Alonso trusts him, maybe he'll get his groove back 
. People are making him out to be some kind of failure just because he's leaving Liverpool for Real Madrid 
. Newsflash: player value fluctuates with market demand, and £75m wasn't a bad investment last time I checked 
. Can we please focus on the players' actual skills rather than their social media lives? 
Alexander-Arnold has some incredible abilities if you ask me, so let's not write him off just yet 
. And honestly, I don't think anyone really knows what he's capable of outside of his comfort zone on the pitch 
...he's gotta live up to that price tag somehow 
.
. Nowadays it's like you can't even make a move without someone questioning your loyalty or commitment to your team 
. I mean, I love the guy and all, but come on, let him make his own decisions and play for Real Madrid if that's what makes him happy 
.
. Remember when you're trying out for the school soccer team and they want you to join the school club or sports team? It's like, you gotta choose between your passion for the sport and what everyone else expects from you. I think Trent Alexander-Arnold just needs some time to figure things out and find his own way on the pitch. And honestly, can't we just focus on his skills rather than how much money he cost us? 
It's like when my friend is stressing about their grades and people are all like "why aren't you trying harder?" Um, I'm trying, okay?! 
. Meanwhile, let's focus on the real issues... like Alonso's tactics & how he's handling Alexander-Arnold 
hes just tryna improve himself and find his place in the team 
its not about belonging to 1 club or team, its about becoming the best version of urself 
, before thinking about his future elsewhere... meanwhile, it's sad to see fans piling on him like this 
- he's still our star man! 
His skills are undeniable, but the pressure of playing at Real Madrid could be too much 
meanwhile, lfc fans & internet are still harping on about him not being good enough at right-back lol what's next? 