Keane angered by Real Madrid talk about ‘student’ Alexander-Arnold
Roy Keane has laughed off rumors of Trent Alexander-Arnold’s move to Real Madrid, saying it is more likely for the Liverpool footballer to join fourth division side Tranmere Rovers.
Manchester United legend Keane was unimpressed with Alexander-Arnold’s defensive performance as his former club belied their position in the league and took the lead against the runaway Premier League leaders at Anfield on Sunday.
“The chances for United were too easy, just a few balls over the goal,” Keane told Sky Sports, adding that the England international was “all over the air” as United attacked.
“We talk about how brilliant Trent is going forward, but Trent defending today – my goodness, it’s like schoolboy things.”
“There is talk of him going to Real Madrid – then he goes to Tranmere Rovers. He has to get better defensively, he has to do better.”
“After that he’ll go to Tranmere Rovers” 💬
Roy Keane’s honest opinion on defending Trent Alexander-Arnold. pic.twitter.com/vE02Qmnqik
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) January 5, 2025
Alexander-Arnold’s battle against United
By the 41st minute, Opta statistics available to the Guardian showed that 56% of the visitors’ attacks came from Liverpool’s right flank, overseen by Alexander-Arnold, with their attacks following through the middle (22, 6%).
Amad Diallo failed to capitalize when Diogo Dalot landed unchallenged in front of goal after a cross from that side and Lisandro Martinez played through Rasmus Hojlund, but Alisson made a fine save to deny the striker.
Seven minutes after the restart, an attack down the left channel allowed centre-back Martinez to score the opener from a pass from Bruno Fernandes, ending United’s six-year wait for a goal at Anfield.
Lisandro Martínez unleashes a lightning strike beyond Alisson! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/z3vmqkbIol
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) January 5, 2025
“He’d better hope Madrid isn’t watching”
Alexander-Arnold has been heavily linked with a move to the reigning European champions as his contract expires at the end of the season.
The 26-year-old joined Liverpool’s academy in 2004 and has been an integral part of the team in recent years, although his defensive abilities have often been questioned.
“There were a lot of eyes on Trent Alexander-Arnold in this game because of those discussions with Real Madrid,” said former Reds defender Jamie Carragher before Cody Gakpo’s equalizer.
“I expected a great performance from him; He’d better hope they (Madrid) don’t see that.”
