‘Can’t continue’ – Carragher defends scathing Alexander-Arnold assessment

Robin Bairner

• Updated: 16 Mar 2023 14:49 GMT
• 4 min read

Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher has said that the club have to go out and buy a right-back this summer because the performances of Trent Alexander-Arnold have been so below par.

The right-back was given a torrid time against Real Madrid in the Champions League last 16 as the Reds suffered a thumping 6-2 aggregate loss to the defending champions. In the second leg, Alexander-Arnold was notably left embarrassed by Luka Modric, who clipped the ball over his head before creating a chance for Karim Benzema that only narrowly missed the target.

But Alexander-Arnold’s performances against Real Madrid are far from exceptional this season, with much of the Anfield side’s defensive strife caused by their problems down the right.

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This has been recognised by England boss Gareth Southgate, who has left the 24-year-old, who has an Estimated Transfer Value of €92m, out of his most recent squad.

And Carragher says it is now time for Liverpool to act – although he does move to absolve Alexander-Arnold from all of the blame.

"That can’t continue, what’s happened this season with him and the number of times he has been lacking defensively," Carragher told CBS on Wednesday.

"Liverpool are at the point where they have got to go and buy a right-back. It’s Jurgen Klopp's decision in terms of how good that right-back is and how much he costs, but that lad needs serious competition.

"He has been playing for five years at the top level, with no rest, and has won absolutely everything and won more than I could ever dream of. I’m so proud of him - a local lad coming through the ranks - but he needs help."

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Carragher doubles down on Alexander-Arnold criticism

Following an angry response from some fans, Carragher was forced to double down on his analysis.

“If Liverpool are attacking more he’s the best to have in that role, if they defend more he’s not. It depends on the quality of the team if his strength or weakness is shown up more,” he tweeted.

“You mention what Trent has won, I also do that in the clip and say how proud I am of him and that he has won a lot more than me! But does that mean we can never analyse or critique anyone from this team?!!” he added.