Iraola is giving Trent a huge reason to return to Liverpool

Trent Alexander-Arnold has fallen to third-choice right-back at Real Madrid, and Andoni Iraola is making it increasingly likely that the England star makes an emotional return to Liverpool.

Since Trent left Liverpool 18 months ago, the Anfield side has struggled to find a replacement for him. Jeremie Frimpong has not produced the expected level since arriving from Bayer Leverkusen, while Conor Bradley’s persistent injury issues have stunted his ability to become a permanent fixture in the first team.

The Anfield side are looking for right-back options, and Trent is increasingly appearing available as soon as January.

Mourinho sends Alexander-Arnold message in El Clasico

Any sense that Jose Mourinho might be willing to have a change of heart at Real Madrid was obliterated as Los Blancos won Sunday’s Clasico 2-1. Midfielder Federico Valverde started in the role and was later replaced by Denzel Dumfries.

He did ultimately come on in the last minute, with Mourinho seeking to shore up his side’s advantage late in the game by putting him on the right wing.

With his career on the slide, the possibility of a mid-season move is opening up, and though The Athletic states that he is not exploring the possibility of a move, he will surely not be at the club beyond next summer unless there is an unexpected shift.

But Alexander-Arnold remains a world-class option, with TeamTalk reporting that Liverpool, Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester City are all exploring a move for him.

Iraola is making Liverpool increasingly attractive for Trent

Iraola’s impact at Liverpool could be decisive – and not simply because the former Bournemouth boss is building a team capable of challenging for the Premier League title. He is constructing a Liverpool team that is increasingly suitable for Trent to excel in.

The 28-year-old is known for his attacking qualities from right-back, which saw him deliver 67 Premier League assists during his previous stint at the club. Iraola is increasingly practising a style of play that can unlock the best from Trent in this regard.

Liverpool’s increasing ability to provide Alexander-Arnold this platform is highlighted by SciSports’ Career Advice tool.

The Reds are established as Trent’s ideal transfer, but Iraola is strengthening that position with his style of play. Having only been a four-star stylistic match for the player in September, Liverpool’s playing style is now a five-star match at the end of October.

This points to Iraola making a return to the club increasingly attractive for Trent, though clearly there are sizeable hurdles to clear before anything is completed.

These are likely to be emotional more than financial. After all, sections of the Anfield crowd jeered the England international when he returned in Champions League action with Real Madrid last season.

But if this can be pushed to one side, there is little doubt that Alexander-Arnold would be an upgrade on Frimpong and help strengthen Iraola’s title push at Liverpool.