03 June 2023 , 12:29
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Jamie Carragher admits long-term Liverpool should look to push Trent Alexander-Arnold into midfield and sign a new right-back.
The Reds' star has been stalwart in the back four since breaking into the team under Jurgen Klopp, but whilst he's continually produced in the final third his defensive qualities have long been questioned. His delivery and range of passing remains a critical weapon for the Merseysiders.
Yet lapses in his own half have cost Liverpool, which has led to a debate over his position. Liverpool's midfield has been allowed to age with the likes of James Milner, Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain all leaving this summer, which will force them into the market.
Adding quality in the middle of the park is a priority this summer with the likes of Alexis Mac Allister and Mason Mount linked with moves to Anfield. Jude Bellingham had previously been touted, but his price tag saw Liverpool pull out. Carragher though is of the opinion that few midfielders could replicate Alexander-Arnold's quality, meaning signing a right-back may potentially a better solution.
He told Redmen TV : "I think his body language when he's in midfield, compared to when he's just playing in defence, is completely different. Feels like I'm watching a different player. Some of the passes he plays, no matter who we buy, if we bought Bellingham, how much more could he do that TAA does in midfield.
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"When Liverpool are on the ball, whoever you buy, whatever you spend, they cant do more than Trent. I think another season id be of the mind, let's buy a right-back and put him in midfield, because this kid is too good to not be the centre of this team.
Trent Alexander-Arnold's quality in the final third has long been hailed (AFP via Getty Images)"It is getting to the stage when it'll become his team, he'll end up being captain. Take away the stuff he gets criticised for, which at times it is not great. He can improve on stuff, although he'll never be amazing at it, so let's focus on what he is amazing at."
Klopp admitted towards the latter end of the season, when Alexander-Arnold was appearing in midfield more regularly, that it could open up new doors for the team, especially with young right-backs in the club's ranks, namely Calvin Ramsay, who was signed last summer but has found minutes hard to come by in his debut season.
The German said: “It opened up different opportunities for us, if you watch it back after we learned to use it. I thought he did well. It was not the first time, but not for a while, that’s why I’m fine with how he executed it.”