Van Dijk: Real Madrid clash feels fated as Arnold faces old club with a tough Liverpool twist

The Van Dijk–Arnold Reunion

Van Dijk says he has not spoken much with Arnold since his move to Real Madrid. The Liverpool captain notes that both players are simply living their lives and focusing on their next challenges.

The draw sent Arnold back to his boyhood club quicker than expected, after a long summer of chatter about his Madrid transfer. The right back faced whistles from some Liverpool fans after the departure was announced.

Liverpool host Real Madrid at Anfield on Tuesday in a big Champions League group stage clash.

Arnold moved to Real Madrid last summer after his contract with Liverpool ended.

Bellingham's Influence

Van Dijk told ESPN that he has not spoken much with Arnold since the move and offered no special reason, adding that both players are just getting on with life.

He added that Arnold is a superb player who has proven himself time and again and was important for their team when he was at Anfield.

He continued that Arnold will now face his old club and that if he plays they will have to make life difficult for him. Regarding a hostile reception at Anfield, Van Dijk said we will see what happens and he will not comment, Arnold was a fantastic presence at Liverpool.

Arnold has played 354 matches for Liverpool across all competitions and contributed to many domestic and continental trophies.

Arnold's words

Arnold says he will always love Liverpool no matter how he is received on Tuesday and spoke in a Prime Video Sport interview before the game about destiny and the chances ahead.

Arnold's Storied Rise

He said that the big clubs are part of his journey and that facing Liverpool was something he expected sooner or later, whether at the Bernabeu or Anfield, and that the match will be very difficult but he is excited.

Arnold also said he would not celebrate if he scores against his former club and that the reception from the Liverpool fans is up to them. He added that his feelings toward Liverpool will not change and the memories will stay with him for life.

Jude Bellingham played a role in persuading him to Madrid, with talk during their England camps about the atmosphere at the club and its ambition and the constant desire to win.

Arnold is part of a remarkable Liverpool story. He came through the academy and became a key figure for the new generation of full backs, blending defense, vision and crossing. Born in Liverpool on October 8, 1998, he joined the academy at six and began his long journey at the club's Melwood training ground.

From the start he drew attention for his tactical intelligence and dead accurate set pieces. In 2016 under Klopp he got his first team chances, featuring in the League Cup match with Tottenham before cementing his place.

The real breakthrough came in 2017-18 as a regular right back, especially in the Champions League where Liverpool reached the final against Real Madrid. Since then he has become a key player for Klopp, thanks to his long crosses and defensive work plus rapid attacking bursts.

Alongside club success, he has been a fixture for England since 2018, playing in World Cup 2022 and Euro 2020, and even filling midfield when needed due to his vision.

Rising to new challenges

Arnold has endured criticism for his defensive work at times, yet he continued to improve. Injuries also disrupted his final Liverpool season, but his move to Real Madrid in 2025 sparked debate among Reds fans.

Joining Madrid gave him a chance to play with Jude Bellingham and start a new chapter at the Bernabeu, where he hopes to make a strong imprint just as he did at Anfield.

Punchline 1: Destiny would come with a transfer fee that doubles the drama.

Punchline 2: If Arnold scores, he might just bow to the crowd and call it a classy cameo rather than a celebration.