Dietmar Hamann claims Liverpool are already missing Trent Alexander-Arnold & insists Real Madrid defender 'deserves a hero's welcome' when he returns to Anfield for Champions League clash

Frimpong lasted just 60 minutes on the pitch in Liverpool's season opener against Bournemouth as he picked up a hamstring injury, and missed their next two league matches against Newcastle United and Arsenal. In the Dutch defender's absence, Arne Slot has deployed Dominik Szoboszlai as a make-shift full-back. The Hungarian has done fairly well in the unfamiliar position, and he even scored a world-class winner against the Gunners last weekend. 

Despite Szoboszlai's exploits, Hamann feels that Liverpool are missing the presence of Alexander-Arnold on the pitch, and has hailed the Englishman as a "tremendous player". The German also urged Liverpool fans to give the defender a "hero's welcome" when Madrid visit Anfield for their Champions League league phase clash next month. 

Speaking to Adventure Gamers, the 52-year-old said: "Trent Alexander-Arnold will get a mixed reaction due to the way he left the club. I hope he receives a good reception. I think he deserves a hero's welcome. He was loved by the city, gave everything for 10 years, and never cost the club a penny, despite leaving on a free. He's been a tremendous player. 

"In the first couple of games, people are reluctant to admit it because many are upset about his departure, but Liverpool miss him. He was a playmaker from the right-back position. While Dominik Szoboszlai can now fill that role, players like Jeremie Frimpong and Conor Bradley aren't the same. I believe there will be times when people realise they miss him, and that's why he should get a hero's reception. I fear he won't, but I wish he does."

Despite starting in two out of Los Blancos' first three La Liga matches, Alexander-Arnold faced a snub from Thomas Tuchel, who picked his England squad for the latest World Cup qualifiers without the 26-year-old. The defender will be back in action for Madrid on September 13 as Xabi Alonso's side face Real Sociedad in La Liga.