'Absolutely annihilated' - Liverpool legend warns Trent Alexander-Arnold he faces 'brutal' Real Madrid treatment after confirming emotional Anfield departure

Alexander-Arnold has been warned he could face immense and "brutal" criticism should he underperform for Real Madrid once his expected free transfer to the Spanish giants is confirmed.

Alexander-Arnold has already confirmed he will leave Anfield at the end of the current campaign once his contract expires. The announcement provoked mixed reactions from fans and pundits, and while Liverpool great John Aldridge says he understands the England international's desire to try something new, the 66-year-old highlighted the strong criticism players can face from the Spanish media if they fall out of form.

Writing for the Liverpool Echo, Aldridge said: "I've kind of known for a while that Trent Alexander-Arnold would be leaving Liverpool. You hear on the grapevine so I expected it, it's just the timing of it coming out.

"So I'm not shocked at all. I know some supporters are angry with him, calling him all sorts, but it's over the top. Fans are fans. Some will see one side, some will see the other side. I'm in between really.

"But it will be interesting to see how he gets on there. I played in Spain for a couple of years. Every day, football papers come out. One bad game you're going to get absolutely annihilated. It's brutal."

Alexander-Arnold has three games left in his Liverpool career, starting with an Anfield clash with former title rivals Arsenal on Sunday before further fixtures against Brighton and Crystal Palace.