Jamie Carragher believes Trent Alexander-Arnold would tarnish his Liverpool legacy if he moves to Real Madrid at the end of the season.
He was one of the standout performers for Liverpool in the 6-3 defeat to Tottenham, creating four game-high chances and setting up Luis Diaz's opener with a stunning cross.
In the Premier League, no one in Liverpool's squad has created more chances than him this season (30, level with Mohamed Salah).
The 26-year-old is in the final year of his current contract and has been strongly linked with a move to Madrid if he leaves Anfield, although Carragher believes this would detract from what he has done as a homegrown talent.
“It's more than a football decision,” he told Sky Sports. “It's about his legacy at Liverpool and how he is seen. Do you want to be seen that way too?” [Steven] Gerard or [Steve] McManaman?
“He went to Real Madrid and won trophies, but he is not adored.
“As a local player, Trent has been there for 20 years. I don't think it would be nice to feel like you can leave freely. I guarantee the Liverpool supporters will have that feeling.”
“Things are expected of you as a local player. I think it is difficult to leave Liverpool as a local player.
“I wanted to leave the right way, so they remembered me the right way.
“If he stays he will be remembered as one of the best to play for the club and not far behind Gerrard.”
Liverpool moved four points clear at the top of the table after that thrilling win over Spurs, moving ahead of Chelsea, who dropped points in a 0-0 draw against Everton earlier on Sunday.
It is the 21st time that Liverpool have topped the English top flight on Christmas Day; the most from any side. They have won the title in 11 of the previous 20 seasons (55%).
The Reds dominated at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, with 24 shots, half of which were on target and one off the woodwork, and scored 5.63 expected goals (xG), the highest total by any team in the Premier League this season.
“It felt like a really big game,” Carragher said.
“Liverpool were excellent and when you look at Chelsea or Arsenal you think: 'This team is going to have to stop for a while'.
“It felt like a statement victory – a performance by the chosen champions. They were so dominant.”
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