The Liverpool captain promises a tough welcome for his former teammate, stating they will “make it very difficult” for the Real Madrid defender.
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has set the stage for a tense Champions League reunion, warning his former teammate Trent Alexander-Arnold to brace for a challenging return to Anfield. As Arne Slot’s team prepares to host Real Madrid, all eyes are on the academy graduate whose summer departure left a bitter taste for many fans.
Alexander-Arnold, who lifted every major trophy during his 353 appearances for the Reds, was booed by sections of the support after announcing his exit last season. Van Dijk, his longtime defensive partner and captain, made it clear that sentimentality will be left in the dressing room when the whistle blows.
“I think Trent is a quality player. He showed it so many times. He was important for us over all those years,” Van Dijk acknowledged. “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.”
The Dutch defender revealed the personal distance that has grown since Alexander-Arnold’s move to Madrid, stating plainly, “Not much, no,” when asked if they still speak. He was quick to add, “Nothing personal whatsoever. Obviously I live my life and he lives his life in Madrid.”
When pressed on the potential for a hostile reception from the Anfield faithful, Van Dijk remained tactically ambiguous. “I’m not going to comment on that,” he said, before offering a terse, “Let’s see,” when pushed further.
The high-stakes clash comes as Liverpool appears to be finding its footing, securing a first clean sheet since September in a 2-0 win over Aston Villa. Van Dijk emphasized the relentless schedule ahead, which includes a Premier League showdown with Manchester City and crucial World Cup qualifiers.
“There’s so much football to be played,” he said. “Every three or four days, there’s an opportunity to perform. So on to the next and then we’ll see by March time where you are.”
For one night, however, the focus will be squarely on a familiar face in the wrong colors, with his former captain vowing to show no mercy.
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