Trent's return with Real Madrid reminds Liverpool of what they are missing

Trent Alexander Arnold makes his way back to Anfield on Tuesday, with the player and his childhood team both finding it hard to settle following his heartfelt move to Real Madrid.

Only a short distance from where the England star will step into Anfield, a large mural of him in red remains, featuring the words: "I'm just a normal lad from Liverpool whose dream has just come true."

The path of Alexander Arnold from fan to double Premier League champion and Champions League victor read like a storybook tale.

However, for many Liverpool supporters, leaving after letting his deal expire, which left the league winners with just a token sum, tarnished his reputation.

The 27 year old defender faced boos during his last months at Liverpool, even though he played a key role in the clubs sole two league triumphs since 1990.

Upon revealing his exit in May, he described it as "easily the hardest decision I've ever made in my life".

A cool welcome seems certain on Tuesday if he plays for the away side at his old ground.

Alexander Arnold mentioned feeling "mixed emotions" about coming back and promised not to celebrate any goals.

He left it to the supporters to decide their response, noting that he will "always love the club".

"No matter what, my feelings won't change towards Liverpool," he shared with Amazon Prime.

"I've got memories there that will last me a lifetime and, no matter how I'm received, that won't change."

The intense sentiments surrounding the departure of the player once celebrated by Liverpool fans as the "Scouser in our team" overshadowed the significant gap he would leave on the pitch.

He formed part of a substantial summer reshaping of Arne Slots lineup, yet stands out as the most sorely missed among those who departed in the transfer period.

Slot has often had to shift his top midfielder this term, Dominik Szoboszlai, to right back, as neither Conor Bradley nor Jeremie Frimpong has managed to replace what Alexander Arnold provided.

Injured and dropped

While often faulted for his defending in duels, Alexander Arnold drew such demand due to his attacking contributions.

He left as the defender holding the record for most assists in Premier League annals, owing to his superb passing distance and accurate free kick execution.

Mohamed Salah especially has found it tough to adapt without the supply from his long time partner on Liverpools right flank over the previous eight years.

A sequence of six losses in eight matches has underscored precisely how much Alexander Arnold is absent.

Nevertheless, he faces challenges fitting in at Real Madrid.

The right back has not appeared for Los Blancos after picking up a hamstring issue in Madrids Champions League debut versus Marseille on September 16.

Upon regaining fitness, and with injured Dani Carvajal also sidelined, coach Xabi Alonso opted for midfielder Federico Valverde in the right back position.

Alexander Arnold sat on the sidelines for the entire 90 minutes of El Clasico last week, as Madrid secured a 2-1 victory over Barcelona to widen their advantage at the La Liga summit.

Alonso sees scant reason to alter his team at Anfield, given the 15 time European winners perfect Champions League beginning, marked by three consecutive victories.

Still, Alexander Arnold yearns for playing opportunities.

Scant match involvement has led to his omission from Thomas Tuchels latest two England call ups, mere months before the World Cup.

Reports suggest one motive for linking up with Madrids array of talents at the Santiago Bernabeu was to enhance his Ballon dOr prospects.

Though it is still early, the prospects in Spains warmer surroundings have yet to brighten.