Trent Alexander-Arnold has a big decision ahead of him. He could yet sign a new Liverpool contract, but Real Madrid is circling — and the longer the saga drags on, the more scrutiny there will be on him when he doesn't perform, as was the case vs. Manchester United this past weekend.

"I think it's fair in some ways to question whether it is affecting him — or did on this particular day," former Reds midfielder Danny Murphy tells Liverpool.com on behalf of BetBrain. "There has been a lot of talk this week about him, and it is very hard to hide away from that speculation.

"We also don't know what has gone on behind the scenes in terms of conversations with Arne Slot and with Liverpool or Madrid. I can only talk from personal experience when there is a little bit of talk and headlines. It can transfer physically because you might not sleep as well.

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"For me, I've thought Trent this season has been as good as I've seen him defensively. In terms of positioning, pace, recovery, I think there has been a real improvement — and Slot deserves credit for that too. Against Man Utd, it wasn't just his defensive stuff — his distribution wasn't of the same confidence level, and that was the bit that made me think maybe he is overthinking.

"The next couple of games will be really important to get back to the level he has been at this season. But you have to be honest about it; he was well below his own levels and he caused Liverpool a problem. He has to take responsibility and bounce back."

In many ways, Murphy says, it would be beneficial for the outcome of Alexander-Arnold's contract stand-off to become known sooner rather than later. Giving some clarity would allow him the chance to reset and focus only on winning as many trophies as possible this season, with Liverpool having no interest in cashing in this month.

"It matters for him more than anyone else, so he can focus on the rest of the season," Murphy continues. "He doesn't have to tell the world but for his own wellbeing and his own peace of mind, he can then focus on the job in hand.

"The thing we don't know is that he might actually be torn. If you are torn and you are playing the game in your head about 'What do I do?', that is difficult for any player.

"Let's be honest, it's a huge decision. He might be tossing and turning in bed, trying to work out what he wants. That is something people don't take into consideration because he is paid a fortune and he has supposedly got to tell us.

"But what if he doesn't know? What if he isn't sure? These things, we don't give too much credence to because we are not in that position.

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"I remember having a few nights where I didn't sleep when I left Liverpool and I shouldn't have left — it was a regret. Rafa Benitez made it clear to me that I wasn't going to be a part of his plans but I felt like I didn't want to leave.

"It's not comparable to Trent in some ways but just to give you a snippet of what a player goes through, I was emotional. I was calling people, and I didn't know what to do for the best, so he might be in a predicament."

Essentially, it is a straight choice between staying at Liverpool and penning new terms, or signing for Real Madrid. And Murphy can see the appeal of the Spanish giant.

"I can, for two reasons," he said. "From a footballing perspective, he has won everything with Liverpool already. To win them all, when you grow up as a Liverpool fan, is unbelievable.

"But there is nothing left to win. Going to play for another of the biggest clubs in the world and having success there as well, not many people do that.

"The second thing is the lifestyle change. He has only ever known this area and you are only on this planet once. It is difficult when you're in your 20s to think like an older, wiser man, but to learn a different language and play in a different country and culture, these are experiences that not many people get to have.

"I understand it, but I also understand certain people's negativity because they don't get it. You're at one of the best clubs around and you're a local lad — I've been that person, so I do get it. If he did go, it wouldn't affect me or the people I know going to the match — they would still think of him as highly.

"People talk about the fact that it would be on a free. I understand that argument to a point, but the club were in control of that. Two years ago, it could have nailed him down or sold him.

"My experience was always the same. If you're a player they want to keep and you have two years left on your contract, they are coming to you and they will try and sort you out. Liverpool were in control of protecting the asset and it isn't Trent's fault they didn't get that done.

"Even if it came out that they did try and didn't get it done, they would still have the power in terms of selling him. I don't see why he burdens the blame. If you take that aside, which I do, then you are only looking at a footballing reason. And from a footballing reason, even the most avid Liverpool fans will understand the allure of Madrid."