Liverpool must sign right-back to unlock Trent says club legend

Stuart Telford

• 26 Nov 2023 11:37 GMT
• 3 min read

Trent Alexander-Arnold can take on a Steven Gerrard-esque role at Liverpool according to Jamie Carragher - but they need to sign a right-back to cover his original position.

Alexander-Arnold has increasingly been used in midfield by England boss Gareth Southgate, but he remains primarily a right-back at Liverpool, from where he scored the equaliser against Manchester City on Saturday.

Trent had taken up a more attacking position when he lashed his 80th-minute leveller home beyond Ederson, but Carragher insists he is being wasted as part of a back four.

"I would love Liverpool to acquire a right-back who could play in the big games and push Alexander-Arnold into midfield," he told Sky Sports.

"Liverpool haven't had a player who can score from that range since Steven Gerrard, one that you think has got a chance from 20-25 yards."

The result kept Liverpool within touching distance of the Premier League summit, now occupied by Arsenal who are a point clear of City and two better off than the Reds after beating Brentford.

Carragher's Sky Sports Premier League colleague and Manchester United legend Gary Neville agrees Alexander-Arnold has that rare quality, saying on his podcast:

"Man City have De Bruyne injured, who is world class in terms of delivery, striking of the ball and passing. Trent is the equal of him - and he's a right-back!

Who might Liverpool sign?

Liverpool were previously linked with Benjamin Pavard before the French World Cup winner joined Inter Milan from Bayern Munich in the summer, but Joe Gomez has been trusted to deputise in the position this season.

Mohamed Simakan has a similar profile to Pavard - a right-back that would rather defend than attack - and could be available with his playing time restricted at RB Leipzig. Southampton's Kyle Walker-Peters has also been linked.

Whether Jurgen Klopp heeds Carragher's advice remains to be seen, however.