Liverpool analysis: Five players who could succeed Trent Alexander-Arnold at Anfield
Trent Alexander-Arnold has announced he will leave Liverpool at the end of the season after 20 years at Anfield.
Following the Reds’ Premier League title win, the 26-year-old is expected to join Real Madrid on a six-year deal.
With the summer transfer window a matter of weeks away, Liverpool will need to replace the right-back who has been integral to their recent success.
Transfer News Blitz writer Alec Hayward has looked at five players who Arne Slot could look to succeed Alexander-Arnold.
Conor Bradley, Liverpool
Who better to replace Alexander-Arnold than his understudy, Conor Bradley?
The 21-year-old is another academy graduate at Liverpool and has a similar style of play to his English counterpart.
Bradley has made 26 appearances in all competitions this season, but has been frustrated by injuries.
The Northern Irishman has a good passing ability, but really shines in defence.
Winning 72.7% of his tackles in the Premier League this campaign and 50.7% of his duels, Bradley offers a solid option at the back for the Merseysiders.
Dodô, Fiorentina
While not the most glamorous of names, Dodô would be a good, experienced right-back to bring in.
Currently playing his football in Italy, the 26-year-old has provided five assists in 32 Serie A games and played an integral role in Fiorentina’s run to the Conference League semi-finals.
The Brazilian’s ability to carry the ball would be a vital asset to Liverpool, whose current full-backs tend to push further up the pitch in attack.
In duels won this season, Dodô’s 156 dwarfs Alexander-Arnold’s 97, showing how dominant the defender is in defence.
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Ola Aina, Nottingham Forest
Ola Aina, like Nottingham Forest as a whole, has been a revelation this season in the Premier League and has shown exactly what he can offer at right-back.
The 28-year-old has been one of the best full-backs in the English top-flight this campaign, prompting the likes of Liverpool and Manchester City to take note.
With 71% of his tackles won in the Premier League, the Nigerian has shown his defensive strength for Forest.
Physicality is another big part of Aina’s game, with his aerial ability far superior to Alexander-Arnold's.
Malo Gusto, Chelsea
While a slightly unrealistic suggestion, Malo Gusto would be the perfect replacement for Alexander-Arnold.
The 21-year-old is in his second season for Chelsea, where he has once again show his great ability at right-back.
The Frenchman thrived for the Blues last season, providing nine assists in a similar system to how Slot sets up at Liverpool.
Like many on this list, Gusto is stronger at the back than Alexander-Arnold, and, despite a dip in form this season, can match the Madrid-bound man going forward.
Jeremie Frimpong, Bayer Leverkusen
Jeremie Frimpong has been heavily linked with a move to Merseyside for some time, following his impressive performances for Bayer Leverkusen.
The 24-year-old was integral to Leverkusen’s first-ever Bundesliga title, bagging 26 goal contributions in all competitions as Xabi Alonso’s men went unbeaten.
If anyone can match Alexander-Arnold’s attacking prowess, it would be the Dutchman, who is utilised as a right-wing-back at his current club.
The main difference between the two full-backs is how they progress the ball - while Alexander-Arnold has an incredible progressive passing range, Frimpong has better progressive carries.
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