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 their 6-3 thrashing of Tottenham, creating a game-high four chances and setting up Luis Diaz's opener with a stunning cross.

In the Premier League this season, nobody in the Liverpool squad has created more chances than him (30, level with Mohamed Salah).

The 26-year-old is in the final year of his current contract, and he is heavily linked with a move to Madrid if he does depart from Anfield, though Carragher believes it would diminish what he has done as a homegrown talent.

"It's more than a football decision," he said on Sky Sports. "It's about his legacy at Liverpool and how he is seen. Do you want to be seen like [Steven] Gerrard or [Steve] McManaman?

"He went to Real Madrid and won cups, but he is not adored.

"As a local player, Trent has been there 20 years. I don't think it would be nice to have a feeling of leaving on a free. I guarantee Liverpool supporters will feel that way.

"Things are expected of you as a local player. I think to leave Liverpool is difficult as a local player.

"I wanted to leave in the right way, so they remembered me in 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, opening up a gap on Chelsea, who dropped points in a 0-0 draw with Everton earlier on Sunday.

It is the 21st time Liverpool have been top of the English top-flight on Christmas Day; the most of any side. They have gone on to win the title in 11 of those previous 20 seasons (55%).

The Reds dominated at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, having 24 shots, with half of those on target and one hitting the woodwork, and created 5.63 expected goals (xG), the highest total by a team in the Premier League this season.

"It felt like a really big game," Carragher said.

"Liverpool were outstanding and if you are watching as Chelsea or Arsenal, you are thinking, 'this team will take some stopping'.

"It felt like a statement win - a performance of champions-elect. They were so dominant."