'That was just nonsense': Carragher and Sturridge engage in heated debate over Alexander-Arnold

Things got very heated between Jamie Carragher and Daniel Sturridge when they discussed Trent Alexander-Arnold.

The two Sky Sports experts clashed when discussing the England international's future after watching him. Liverpool 2-2 draw with manchester united – a match in which Alexander-Arnold performed much lower than expected.

The problem arose from Carragher's discussion real MadridJanuary's interest in the right-back could distract the Liverpool team and the player ahead of their clash with their biggest rivals.

Sturridge I was upset that Carragher I wasn't defending Alexander-Arnold and was suggesting that his agents had encouraged a bid, and chaos ensued.

Carragher: “When I talk about Trent, I am disappointed that things come out of Real Madrid and that that is the focus before a big game because the most important thing is for Liverpool to win the Premier League.”

Sturridge: “Before Madrid you also had a problem with the situation, I say.”

Carragher then interrupted and asked Sturridge what the problem was, but the former Reds striker didn't really give an answer, prompting Carragher to say: “Daniel, tell me what the problem was because that was just rubbish.”

Sturridge responded: “This is a simple question I have for you. Are you saying you're happy with Trent going for free or do you want money for him? Which is it?”

“You can't be undecided. Either you want him to stay and sign a contract, or you want him to leave now, but you can't have it both ways: that's football.

“I'm a Liverpool fan and I love it. Trent Alexander-Arnold“.

Carragher: “When did I say I wanted him to be sold now for money, and when did I say I wasn't happy with him going for free? I never, ever said I had a problem with him going for free.

“I have constantly defended him to other Liverpool fans and on this programme, that the boy came for nothing, and if he leaves for nothing, there should be no criticism of that.

4

“In terms of selling him now, I'm disappointed because I know how transfers work, how football works – he would have known that Real Madrid were making an offer.

“Real Madrid can do whatever they want. My problem is that Liverpool is going for a league title. It's January and he knew that would cause a scandal before a big game.”

Sturridge: “It's the same as (Mohamed) Salah. Nothing can be said about Trent, a local boy who should be revered by fans like you, like Steven Gerrard; Trent is one of you.

“Someone who has been at the club from the academy until he was 27. He is at a point where the club has allowed his contract to get to this stage – it wasn't Trent's fault.”

At this point, Carragher interrupted and said he had tried Salah before Sturridge continued.

“So if Real Madrid decides, they will test the waters.

4

“They may have flirted. We know football. We know what's going on, but that's not a problem.”

Alexander-Arnold is in the final six months of his contract, meaning he can begin negotiating deals with foreign clubs for the summer.

There is no indication that this is happening, but talkSPORT understands that Real Madrid asked Liverpool if the England international was for sale this month.

But the Reds firmly rejected that idea, while Alexander-Arnold had no interest in a January transfer.

It is still suggested that he will leave Anfield at the end of the season and join his good friend. Judas Bellingham at the Bernabéu this summer, but for now he is a Liverpool player.

However, that information about Los Blancos' interest in January came to light earlier this week before the Reds faced their arch rivals at Anfield, which Carragher clearly believes was a distraction.

Earlier in the programme, he also suggested that Alexander-Arnold's representatives had invited the offer from Real Madrid.

Despite the heated argument, Alexander-Arnold's manager, Arne SlotHe does not believe that the Real Madrid rumors have contributed to his performance.

Speaking in his post-match press conference about his right-back's performance, he said: “I think nine out of ten people will tell you it affected him. I am (the) one of the ten who tells you that I don't think that affected him.

“What affected him is that he had to play against Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Dalot, two starters from Portugal, great, great players.

4

“If these players prepare for a game – and that's what United do from time to time – then it's very difficult to play against them.

“I think it's harder for Trent to face that than the rumors that were there during the week.

“But that's my opinion, and everyone will probably tell you it had to do with the rumors.”