Liverpool's right-back options to unleash 'Gerrard-esque' Trent in midfield

Tom Weber

27 Nov 2023 11:13 CST
4 min read

Trent Alexander-Arnold, Liverpool, Erling Haaland, Man City, 2023/24 — © ProShots

Jamie Carragher believes that Liverpool need a defensive-minded right-back to unleash Trent Alexander-Arnold in midfield - but who should they target?

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Alexander-Arnold has enjoyed a good couple of weeks. First, he impressed in midfield for England - albeit 'only' against Malta - and then he gave another good account of himself in the big Premier League game at the weekend against Man City, eventually scoring the all-important equaliser for Liverpool.

His performance against City prompted Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher to shower him with praise. The latter said on Sky: “Liverpool haven’t got a back-up for Alexander-Arnold as it’s difficult to get quality to sign to sit on the substitutes bench.

“I would love Liverpool to acquire a right-back who could play in the big games and push Alexander-Arnold into midfield. That could be the development for Liverpool to play him in midfield."

"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." Neville, for his part, compared the 25-year-old to none other than Kevin de Bruyne.

Liverpool's right-back options

Carragher raises a good point, but it begs the question: who should Liverpool target to achieve what the legend suggested? If they truly want a more defensive-minded player, someone like Jeremie Frimpong, who has been exceptional for Leverkusen, is out of the question as he is more forward than defender at this point.

When Alexander-Arnold has been unavailable, Jurgen Klopp has opted to play Joe Gomez at right-back, but his limitations have always been blatantly evident. So, it's clear that a better option needs to be brought in, and by consulting data experts SciSports, we can figure out which right-backs would suit the Reds.

Archie Gray, 17, Leeds United

The first option that must be considered is a player Liverpool have actually been repeatedly linked with despite him being a more offensive player. 17-year-old Leeds wonderkid Archie Gray has burst onto the scene this term and impressed in the Championship.

Out of all possible options, he is still by far the rawest given his age. Gray currently boasts a SciSkill rating of just 61, compared to Alexander-Arnold's 123. His potential to develop, however, is significant and it is only bound to increase the more senior minutes he gets. He is one for the future but an intriguing prospect.

Jordan Lotomba, 25, Nice

25-year-old Nice right-back Jordan Lotomba is one of two Ligue 1 suggestions. Lotomba is the most mature and highest-rated option with a SciSkill value of 97 and a potential of 105.

His current transfer value stands at €18m and the Swiss has been a vital cog in the French league's best defence, which has only conceded a stunning four goals in 13 games. Lotomba is not an undisputed starter but Youcef Atal, his main competitor, is currently suspended until further notice over an anti-semitic social media post, giving the Swiss ample opportunity to put himself in the shop window.

Bafode Diakite, 22, Lille

Our second Ligue 1 suggestion is Bafode Diakite, the option with the highest potential according to SciSports. Diakite currently boasts a rating of 92 and potential of 110.

The Lille defender has scored an impressive three goals and notched an assist in eight Ligue 1 outings this term and is currently worth €16m, having enjoyed a dramatic increase in valuation since the summer of 2022. In terms of age profile, current ability and potential, he could be the Reds' best option.

Mads Roerslev, 24, Brentford

Finally, there is Brentford's Mads Roerslev. The Dane boasts Premier League experience which could be important for a defensive-minded player but the fact that he is not an undisputed starter makes a deal unlikely.

The 24-year-old is valued at €12m, has a rating of 89 and potential of 101. He could be the cheapest option for Klopp and company and he boasts ample top-level knowledge, having played north of 1000 minutes in the previous two campaigns for the Bees.