One Liverpool legend has suggested that the club should sell vice-captain Trent Alexander-Arnold to Real Madrid in the summer.
Alexander-Arnold is widely considered to be among the best right backs in the world, and has been for some time after erupting on the scene with Liverpool in the 2017-18 campaign.
The England international has been a focal point for Liverpool’s success in the Jurgen Klopp era, with his deadball ability and crossing technique earning him widespread praise, as well as historic numbers of assists.
Given his importance to the team – and fan-favourite status given his roots in the city – he is perhaps the most popular player at Anfield, and one who most would consider un-sellable.
Yet Steve Nicol, who spent 14 years on Merseyside with the Reds, has suggested his defensive frailties might be a reason to move him on and bring in Conor Bradley in his place.
‘I don’t care who you support. Trent Alexander-Arnold isn’t a good defender,’ the Reds legend told ESPN.
‘If Madrid were to offer, I don’t know, £60, £70, £80m when you have a young kid in Conor Bradley, who is a miles better defender, great going forward, but in the same class as Trent.’
Mail Sport’s Liverpool Confidential column reported earlier this week that Los Blancos were sounding out a move for the defender, whose contract runs up at the end of next season.
Alexander-Arnold’s career has seemingly been plagued by accusations of lax defensive ability, irrespective of how potent a weapon he is going forward.
It is not the first time this season that Alexander-Arnold has been on the receiving end of some particularly harsh comments from Nicol, with regards to his defending abilities.
‘Alexander-Arnold, as great as he is on the ball going forward, he’s a liability defensively,’ the Scot said after Liverpool’s 3-1 away loss to Arsenal in February.
‘He can’t defend one on one and he doesn’t get in good positions to stop [Gabriel] Martinelli today getting the ball.
‘[Ibrahima] Konate ends up having to do two jobs. He’s got to play centre back and he’s got to cover the right back position constantly.’
While selling Alexander-Arnold is likely a measure that few at Anfield would every really seriously consider, the emergence of Bradley does present something of a tactical problem that Klopp and his successor will have to navigate.
He is one of a number of youngsters to have been handed minutes this season as Klopp and Co navigate multiple competitions throughout 2023-24, and has thrived when handed his opportunity.
While there is no talk of a move for either player in earnest at this stage, it is not beyond the realms of possibility that Bradley might seek a more regular spot in the starting XI as he continues his rapid development.
The 20-year-old ahs so far made 18 appearances for the Reds in 2023-24, scoring once and assisting a further six goals in that time.
