Liverpool’s captain, Virgil van Dijk, commented on the boos directed at Trent Alexander-Arnold during the Premier League match against Arsenal, stating, “He needs to handle it.”

‘Everybody can have their own opinion’ – Slot on Alexander-Arnold boos

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has addressed the mixed reception Trent Alexander-Arnold received during his recent appearance at Anfield, stating that the young star “has to deal with” the hostility following his announcement to leave the club at the end of the season. However, Van Dijk insists that this should not overshadow the team’s title celebrations.

Alexander-Arnold made his entrance as a substitute in the 67th minute during Liverpool’s 2-2 draw against Arsenal on Sunday, only to be met with boos from sections of the home crowd. This reaction came after the right-back revealed his intention to depart the club, prompting a divided response from fans.

Ahead of the match, Liverpool head coach Arne Slot remarked that he would not dictate how fans should react to Alexander-Arnold’s decision. Van Dijk echoed this sentiment, suggesting that the player may have anticipated a negative reception.

“I think the manager said it right in the press conference that you can’t decide how anyone feels about the decision he made for him and his family,” Van Dijk explained. “The reaction happened. He has to deal with it. We as a team have to deal with that as well, by the way. But I think maybe he expected this.”

With just two games remaining in the season, Van Dijk expressed his disappointment at losing a player of Alexander-Arnold’s calibre. “We’re here for him. We are gutted that he’s not here with us next year because he’s a fantastic player, in my opinion, with outstanding, exceptional qualities that we have all been seeing over the last seven years I’ve been here. We’re definitely going to miss him when he’s gone.”

Despite the mixed emotions surrounding Alexander-Arnold’s departure, Van Dijk is hopeful that it will not detract from the celebrations of the title. “It shouldn’t distract from the title celebrations. There are a lot more players that also deserve an amazing day. I don’t think it will.”

He added, “He made the decision for himself and he’s at peace with it. We have two more games that he will have to play a part in as well. I’m sure he will because he’s a fantastic player and then we’ll say goodbye to him.”

The futures of Van Dijk, Alexander-Arnold, and Mohamed Salah have been hot topics throughout Liverpool’s title-winning campaign, with their contracts set to expire at the end of the season. While Van Dijk and Salah have both signed two-year extensions, Alexander-Arnold is reportedly eyeing a move to Real Madrid for a “new challenge.”

“Everyone has different opinions or different phases of their career, so you can’t compare our situations,” Van Dijk noted. “I was very happy to eventually come to an agreement with the club. Obviously, it’s not really a Liverpool thing to go about it the way we did with me and Mo but, like I said when it was announced, I’m happy and proud to extend because for me, there is no other place to be at this point.”

He continued, “Everyone shares different opinions and he feels like he has done it all and he wants to try something different. You are speaking about one of the biggest clubs of all in Real Madrid, who he might go to as I read in the media.”

Reflecting on Alexander-Arnold’s impact, Van Dijk said, “The decision is made. We are all gutted, players as well, as he is a fantastic player and made so many decisive moments over the years. We will miss him but we still have two more games, the trophy lift and a parade so there are plenty of moments we can share together and then we will see what happens.”

Looking ahead, Van Dijk called for a “big summer” of recruitment for the club, expressing confidence in the decision-makers to bring in the right players. “As champions, it is a very difficult task to remain champions, but I feel with additions we can make that step up,” he added. “It’s something to look forward to, it’s very exciting and it’s an exciting time to be associated with Liverpool.”

Liverpool’s trophy parade is scheduled for May 26, the day after their final match of the season against Crystal Palace at Anfield. Before that, Slot’s side will face Brighton on May 19.