Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk is not putting pressure on Trent Alexander-Arnold to sign a new contract and insists the defender will always be remembered by the team if he decides to leave.
Alexander-Arnold returned from injury and played a key role as the Reds moved just three points away from the Premier League title, scoring the only goal in a 1-0 defeat to Leicester City that saw them relegated to the Sky Bet Championship.
The right-back is out of contract this summer and has been heavily linked with a move to Real Madrid on a free transfer, which has caused some controversy.
Van Dijk recently put rumours about his future to rest by signing a new contract, and he is unsure whether Alexander-Arnold will follow suit.
“Whatever happens to him in the future is a decision he has to make himself and his family,” he said. “But he is a Liverpool player now and he is very important to our team.
“He has been an outstanding player since I arrived at the club and there will be many good memories of him if he decides to leave.
“But you see, at the moment we as a team don’t know what lies ahead for us.
“I think he's already under a lot of pressure, so there's no point in putting him in a more difficult position.”
Alexander-Arnold celebrated his goal with enthusiasm, removing his shirt and running towards the jubilant Liverpool fans.
“It's an important point,” Van Dijk added. “There's a lot of noise around it. And of course, everyone can discuss whether it's their personal fault or just part of modern life.
“Whether he stays or goes, we must not forget that on Sunday he allowed us as a team to complete the attack.
“I think we forget that we are dealing with a human being. He has been through a lot of things in recent months and everyone has their own opinion on his performance, but as players we want to win and he has been important all season.
“There are still a lot of games ahead and we need the best Trent Alexander-Arnold, and what
Sourse: breakingnews.ie
