Is it time for Trent Alexander-Arnold and Liverpool to repair their broken relationship?
Trent Alexander-Arnold's move to Madrid has not gone to plan, with the former Liverpool right-back now falling down the pecking order under Jose Mourinho.
Almost 18 months after joining the Spanish giants, Alexander-Arnold has found himself as, arguably, third choice at right-back. Denzel Dumfries' arrival in the summer, and Federico Valverde's excellence when called upon at full-back, has left Alexander-Arnold on the fringes.
He's been an unused substitute more times (6) than he has started games (5) this season, and in the club's biggest game of the season so far, a crucial El Clásico win over Barcelona, he played one minute.
Alexander-Arnold had spoken about competing for the Ballon d'Or in Madrid, a chance to represent football's most high-profile club. Instead, those comments have been used as ammunition against him, by the Liverpool fans still stung by his choice to leave.
Some insist Alexander-Arnold burnt his bridges at Anfield. The 28-year-old ran down his contract, while revelations about Spanish lessons long before his exit announcement angered fans further. But as one of England's most gifted talents struggles in Spain, there's an argument that repairing relations with his former side suits all parties.
Could Alexander-Arnold offer Liverpool the solution they need?
Liverpool have a creativity issue. Florian Wirtz's struggles and the exits of Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson have left Liverpool light on creation.
Liverpool rank 19th in the Premier League for big chances created (7) in 2026/27, above only Coventry City (5). For context, Manchester City top the table (32) with more than four times Liverpool's total. It's a statistic that should concern Iraola, particularly given the club's significant investment in attacking talent over the last 18 months.
Alexander-Arnold could be the answer. The Liverpudlian has long been a cheat code when it comes to chance creation from full-back.
His 64 assists are a record for a defender in Premier League history, and his numbers have been impressive despite a reduced role in Madrid. Last season, Alexander-Arnold led all La Liga full-backs per 90 for crosses, long passes completed, and passes into the penalty box, and was second for assists and expected assists. This season, despite his lack of football, he's in the top two for crosses, expected assists, and through balls completed per game.
It's not difficult to see how Alexander-Arnold's expansive passing could aid a Liverpool side that has struggled against low-blocks. His crossing from deep areas would add a new weapon, while long distribution could release the likes of Bradley Barcola and Rio Ngumoha in transition.
Liverpool fans will be quick to point out how well Ronald Araujo has performed at right-back. The loanee has become a firm favourite at Anfield, and perhaps represents an antithesis of Alexander-Arnold. What he lacks in finesse, Araujo combats with commitment. His desire to defend is palpable.
The question isn't necessarily whether Alexander-Arnold is a better footballer than Araujo, but whether Liverpool need his creative qualities more than they need the loanee's defensive security. A return would undoubtedly offer greater attacking ambition, but it would also require Iraola to find a balance that doesn't leave his defence exposed.
Alexander-Arnold made a hard choice to leave Liverpool for Madrid. It would, perhaps, be even tougher to admit the move was a mistake.
