Carragher 'surprised' by Alexander-Arnold's Anfield reception against Arsenal

Jamie Carragher said he was "surprised" by how many boos were heard when Trent Alexander-Arnold came on during Liverpool's 2-2 draw with Arsenal on Sunday. 

Earlier this week, Alexander-Arnold confirmed he would be leaving the club at the end of the season, with a move to Real Madrid expected to be confirmed in the summer. 

The England international replaced Conor Bradley in the 67th minute at Anfield, and received a hostile reception from the Anfield crowd as he made his way onto the pitch. 

Alexander-Arnold also played a role in Mikel Merino's equaliser, playing the Arsenal man onside after Martin Odegaard's strike had been tipped onto the post by Alisson Becker.

The 26-year-old did complete nine passes in the final third during his cameo appearance, a total only bettered by Mohamed Salah (18) and Dominik Szoboszlai (11). 

"That's the story of the game. That's what we will be talking about after the game, and the back pages of every newspaper," Carragher said when speaking on Sky Sports. 

"I'm surprised how many. For me, I don't believe any player putting on that red shirt who goes on to win trophies should be being booed.

"Booing one of your own players while they're playing is not for me."

Alexander-Arnold has been an integral part of Liverpool's success in recent years, lifting eight major honours, which includes this year's Premier League title. 

He has registered more assists (64) than any other defender in Premier League history, four more than team-mate Andy Robertson in second. 

Leighton Baines (85) is the only player to have more goal contributions among defenders in the English top-flight than Alexander-Arnold (82). 

Alexander-Arnold has also created 514 chances in the Premier League, 194 of which have come from set-pieces. Only Baines (635 and 232 respectively) has more. 

The full-back has two more games, against Brighton and Crystal Palace before he departs, and Carragher thinks manager Arne Slot should leave Alexander-Arnold out. 

"That [booing him] was a step too far. That could've been his last performance, which might be the right thing as Liverpool don't need a circus," Carragher added. 

"If you are frustrated with Trent, sing Conor Bradley or Steven Gerrard's name.

"Don't boo a player as it opens you up to criticism from supporters up and down the land about Liverpool supporters."

Carragher went on to reference comments made by Alexander-Arnold earlier in the season, where he revealed his ambitions to one day win the Ballon d'Or trophy. 

Alexander-Arnold ranked winning the prestigious individual accolade above winning the Champions League, a trophy he has already won with Liverpool back in 2018-19. 

"Trent was asked whether he'd want to win the Champions League or the Ballon d'Or and he said Ballon d'Or - even if he thinks that, it's not the right answer for a local player at Liverpool," Carragher continued.

"The club has to come first. That showed Liverpool supporters he's not a player who thinks about the club more than himself.

"He's a brand. He's an amazing footballer and that's why Real Madrid want him."