Liverpool might need to prepare for a future without Trent Alexander-Arnold. While the club hopes his recent ankle injury will only keep him out for a short time, rumors about a move to Real Madrid are growing stronger.
Alexander-Arnold`s contract is nearing its end in just over three months. Liverpool faces decisions regarding contract extensions for other key players like Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk, who are now in their thirties. However, extending Alexander-Arnold`s contract should be a priority unless his demands are unreasonable. He is only 26 years old, the team`s vice-captain, and a local player who has been with Liverpool since he was six.
He is also incredibly difficult to replace. If Alexander-Arnold departs for Real Madrid, finding a player of similar quality will be extremely challenging. Any player who comes close to his abilities would cost Liverpool a significant amount of money, while Alexander-Arnold could leave for free when his contract expires. There`s a slim chance Liverpool might receive a small transfer fee if FIFA allows clubs like Real Madrid, participating in the Club World Cup, to sign players early.
To understand Alexander-Arnold`s significant impact, consider this: since the 2021-22 season, only a few elite attacking players have more assists than him in league and European competitions. These players include Mohamed Salah, Kevin De Bruyne, and Kylian Mbappe. Alexander-Arnold`s assist numbers (38) are not just impressive for a defender; they are world-class for any attacking player.
His expected assists (xA) are also exceptionally high, surpassed only by Bruno Fernandes and Joshua Kimmich. Similar to Kimmich, a key midfielder for Bayern Munich, Alexander-Arnold excels at progressing the ball into the final third of the pitch. He ranks among Europe`s best in several key attacking metrics, including progressive passes, expected possession value, and chances created. Furthermore, Alexander-Arnold is one of the best crossers in football, a set-piece specialist comparable to legends like Roberto Carlos and David Beckham.
Although this season might seem slightly less impactful for Alexander-Arnold under Arne Slot`s management, he still ranks fourth in the Premier League for expected assists. He also remains among the top players in chances created per 90 minutes, outperforming attacking players like Anthony Gordon and James Maddison.
In a Real Madrid team that usually dominates possession, Alexander-Arnold could flourish. His defensive vulnerabilities, often highlighted at Liverpool, would be less exposed in a dominant Madrid side. While top left wingers can challenge him defensively, Real Madrid has the tactical and personnel flexibility to support him. Just as Jurgen Klopp developed tactics to maximize Alexander-Arnold`s attacking freedom at Liverpool, Carlo Ancelotti or his successor could do the same at Real Madrid. Real Madrid already possesses players like mobile center-backs and defensive midfielders who can provide defensive cover.
For Liverpool, finding a suitable replacement would be incredibly difficult. While some midfielders or inverted full-backs might offer similar ball progression skills, replicating his final-third creativity will be a major challenge. Finding a full-back who can control a game from the right flank like Alexander-Arnold is a very tall order.
Reece James was once considered a potential rival to Alexander-Arnold as the world`s best right-back, but his demanding role at Chelsea has taken a toll. Perhaps Pedro Porro of Tottenham is the closest comparable player, but Tottenham would likely demand a high transfer fee, and even then, he is not quite at Alexander-Arnold`s level.
Liverpool does have a promising young right-back in Conor Bradley. When Bradley has been fit, there have been suggestions that he could be Alexander-Arnold`s successor. Bradley is undoubtedly talented, and considering Liverpool`s need to strengthen their attack, promoting Bradley could be a cost-effective solution if Alexander-Arnold leaves for free.
However, relying solely on Bradley would mean Liverpool needs to replace a player who contributes significantly: 1.2 chances created per 90 minutes, high expected assists, and numerous passes into attacking areas. Only Alexander-Arnold himself can truly fill the void he would leave. His departure would create a significant gap that Liverpool would need to address as a team.
Adrian Whitmore 
Benedict Kingsley