Trent Alexander-Arnold's Liverpool exit was one of the most talked-about sagas of the 2024-25 season.
Although most fans knew that the Englishman would end up exiting Anfield for Real Madrid, there was still a faint glimmer of hope among some fans that the academy graduate would choose to stay.
That obviously wasn't the case with the right-back opting to join Jude Bellingham in the Bernabeu.
The defender admitted that he wanted to try something new by moving to Real Madrid and perhaps even win the Ballon D'Or.
However, due to many things such as injuries and the form of Federico Valverde, he hasn't been given the regular starting role he was promised which, from Liverpool's point of view, is rather funny.
And, it's not just his domestic game where he's suffered as now, his time as an England international is also up in the air.
Alexander-Arnold expected his move to Real to improve his career and make him and even better player.
Indeed, his defensive deficiencies have always been known and this was accepted by the club before they signed him but, nobody could have anticipated how left out he has been.
The main goal for his move to Real was so that his reputation could be boosted and so that he could continue fighting for trophies but, in reality, he's no better off.
In fact, both Liverpool and Real are actually on par with one another, and, even though Alvaro Arebola's men are higher in their domestic league, it feels like Liverpool have a better chance of advancing to the semi-finals of the Champions League.
Not only does this prove that the Englishman would've been better off if he stayed at Liverpool but it also shows how silly the defender was to make the move, especially since Thomas Tuchel has now omitted him from his England squad due to his poor form.
Although Liverpool's fanbase were undoubtedly hurt by the betrayal of Alexander-Arnold, it's clear to see that the Reds got the last laugh.
Players such as Jeremie Frimpong are finally starting to find their feet and, when Conor Bradley returns from injury, he'll be able to have another crack at becoming Slot's first-choice right-back.
However, if the Englishman was still around, neither of them would have had much of a chance at breaking through.
Alexander-Arnold's lack of form and development is also massive for Liverpool as it means that, theoretically, they're the better choice than Real at the moment.
Not only does this prove that they're still one of Europe's best teams but it also proves why Alexander-Arnold choosing to leave Liverpool was a massive mistake.
