Van Dijk Drops Bombshell One-Word Verdict on Alexander-Arnold's Shocking Anfield Comeback
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk disclosed that he has no plans to meet with Trent Alexander-Arnold after the Reds secured a 1-0 win against Real Madrid on Tuesday night.
Despite Alexander-Arnold not being ready to start the match, the England star still captured media attention leading up to his much-awaited return to Anfield.
The former Liverpool player was met with loud jeers during the warm-up session and again when he entered the field in the 81st minute. This brief appearance marked Alexander-Arnold's first game in seven weeks following a hamstring injury sustained in early September.
An icy Anfield reception for Trent Alexander-Arnold as he returns to face his boyhood club 🥶 pic.twitter.com/C23fertReI
The hostile welcome from devoted Liverpool fans was mirrored by Van Dijk during his post-match discussion with Prime Video, albeit more subtly.
When questioned about whether he had encountered Alexander-Arnold before kickoff or intended to meet his former colleague after the game, the defender firmly replied, "No." He then reiterated the single-word response with a finality that discouraged further inquiry.
Alexander-Arnold nevertheless exchanged warm greetings with multiple former teammates, including Mohamed Salah and Ibrahima Konaté, as well as manager Arne Slot following Liverpool's triumph.
In contrast to previous occasions this season, the reigning English champions didn't feel the absence of their former deputy captain on the right wing Tuesday evening. Conor Bradley delivered an outstanding display to neutralize Vinícius Júnior, who finished the match without registering a single shot on goal.
Jude Bellingham Responds to Alexander-Arnold's Hostile Reception
Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham also addressed Prime Video following the contest and shared his perspective on the vocal disapproval that greeted Alexander-Arnold at Anfield.
"It's just part of the game. The supporters' jeering doesn't represent their true feelings about him," Bellingham explained.
"I believe it's more about giving their side an advantage and unsettling him slightly. I'm certain they value his contributions to the club. It's simply how football works."
Bellingham was thrilled to welcome his close friend and fellow Englishman Alexander-Arnold to the Spanish capital this summer. The former Liverpool standout said goodbye to his childhood club after two decades to embark on a fresh journey at Real Madrid, which has gotten off to a challenging beginning.