A Real Test If Trent Moves On

Ex-Liverpool star Riise knows players who have won everything need fresh motivation

- Kimberly Kwek

Liverpool stalwarts Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk are staying put at Anfield after inking new deals in recent weeks, but one key cog in the Reds' arsenal is still missing – defender Trent Alexander-Arnold.

Out of contract at the end of the season, the Englishman is expected to join Spanish giants Real Madrid on a free transfer in the summer, with the potential move drawing ire from Liverpool fans.

But former Liverpool defender John Arne Riise has defended the right-back, saying he would "understand and respect" if Alexander-Arnold makes the switch.

He said: "I understand that people say he's local, he's Scouse, he's been there his whole life and he always wanted to be captain of Liverpool and be there his whole life.

"But sometimes for players, they need motivation because he's been at Liverpool for so many years, he's won everything, and sometimes players need something different to be able to keep working hard and be professional and go to the next step and test themselves.

"If Trent goes, I completely understand and respect why – it's not because he doesn't like Liverpool, it's just because he needs another challenge and test himself in a different league."

The Norwegian, who made 348 senior appearances for the Reds, spoke to The Straits Times on the sidelines of youth football competition JSSL Singapore Professional Academy 7s at the Arena.