Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk believes that Trent Alexander-Arnold deserves respect from fans for his service to the club in the past nine years.
Alexander-Arnold has been sensational for the Reds since they graduated from their academy in 2016 and was an integral part of the success of Jurgen Klopp on Anfield.
The full-back marked his return of an injury with the winner against Leicester City on Sunday, which means that Liverpool is about to claim the Premier League title.
Alexander-Arnold has been criticized by some fans in the midst of speculation that he can leave in the summer to join Real Madrid to a free transfer.
Van Dijk, who signed a new deal in Liverpool last week, admitted that the situation had to be resolved, but asked fans to show love to Alexander-Arnold.
He said: “What can happen to him in the future, that's something he has to solve with himself and the family, but he is currently a Liverpool player and he is important for our team.
“He has been important all season and today he came back from the injury, a long one, and I am happy with that.
“Since I came to the club, he has been a fantastic player and there are many good things that he will always be reminded for when he decides to leave.”
Trent with a stunning attack to win it at Leicester #Leiliv pic.twitter.com/GIIFXDUCI8
– Liverpool FC (@LFC) April 20, 2025
Alexander-Arnold has 64 assists in the Premier League, which is five more than any defender in the history of the competition, with teammate Andrew Robertson in second place at 59.
The International International Trails Only Leighton Baines (85) for target contributions among defenders in the history of the Premier League. Alexander-Arnold is 82.
He became the first defender to come from the bank and scored a winning goal for Liverpool since Martin Skrtel in 2011, and Van Dijk praised Alexander-Arnold for it again when his team needed him.
The Dutchman said: “If he scores such a big goal, I think he deserves the applause to perform at that specific moment and soak it all, because whether he stays or leaves, these are moments that you should not take the opportunity to give us the opportunity on Sunday to give it up on Sunday.
“I think he earned that moment and now it's back to work and it's ready for the weekend.”
The goal of Alexander-Arnold against Leicester was his first with his left foot. The previous 22 goals in his career had been of his favorite right.
Liverpool can seal the title with victory at home at Tottenham next Sunday, or even earlier, if Arsenal would lose to Crystal Palace in midweek.