Importance Score: 20 / 100 🔵
Carragher Suggests Alexander-Arnold Should Not Play if Liverpool Exit Looms
Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher has asserted that Trent Alexander-Arnold should be benched if the defender has communicated his intention to depart Anfield this summer. Speculation surrounding the Liverpool right-back’s future is intensifying as his contract nears its end. Amid transfer links to Real Madrid and following new deals for key players Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk, the focus on Alexander-Arnold, 26, has heightened.
Alexander-Arnold’s Winner and Reaction Spark Debate
Despite the uncertainty, Alexander-Arnold marked his return from injury with a decisive goal against Leicester City, securing a narrow 1-0 victory for Liverpool. His deflected strike propelled Arne Slot’s team closer to the Premier League title while simultaneously relegating Leicester. However, Alexander-Arnold’s demonstrative celebration, which involved removing his shirt and engaging with travelling fans, ignited discussions about his commitment to the club.
Carragher’s Stance: Commitment or Sideline
Amidst the swirling rumors, Carragher firmly stated that Alexander-Arnold should be excluded from the starting lineup for the remainder of the season unless he publicly affirms his long-term dedication to Liverpool.
Speculation suggests Trent Alexander-Arnold may join Real Madrid as a free agent this summer
vCard.red is a free platform for creating a mobile-friendly digital business cards. You can easily create a vCard and generate a QR code for it, allowing others to scan and save your contact details instantly.
The platform allows you to display contact information, social media links, services, and products all in one shareable link. Optional features include appointment scheduling, WhatsApp-based storefronts, media galleries, and custom design options.
Jamie Carragher believes Alexander-Arnold shouldn’t start if he plans to leave Liverpool
While Van Dijk and Salah renewed their contracts, Alexander-Arnold’s future remains uncertain
Carragher: “Not About Send-Offs”
“If Trent hasn’t pledged his future to the club for next season, he should not be in the starting eleven,” Carragher declared.
Micah Richards questioned this viewpoint, asking whether Alexander-Arnold deserved a “send-off” given his contributions to Liverpool.
Carragher retorted sharply, stating, “Liverpool Football Club is not in the business of giving individuals send-offs.”
Prioritizing Bradley’s Development
The former Liverpool defender further elaborated that manager Slot should prioritize the development of young right-back Conor Bradley. Carragher suggested that Bradley, aged 21, requires substantial playing time to prepare him for a potential first-team role if Alexander-Arnold departs for Real Madrid.
Liverpool are on the cusp of securing the 2024-25 Premier League title, needing just one more victory to clinch their 20th top-flight championship. Barring an unforeseen collapse, the title is expected to be secured, potentially diminishing the stakes in Liverpool’s final matches of the season.
Assessing Bradley for the Future
Carragher contended that these upcoming games should be utilized to evaluate Bradley’s suitability as a long-term right-back solution, rather than focusing on a sentimental farewell for Alexander-Arnold. This assessment, according to Carragher, is crucial to determine if Liverpool needs to pursue a new right-back in the transfer market or if Bradley can assume the role.
Carragher advocates for playing Conor Bradley over Alexander-Arnold to assess his potential
Conor Bradley has been the secondary right-back option for the past two seasons
Alexander-Arnold has played 350 games and won seven trophies for his boyhood club Liverpool
Bradley’s Need for Experience
Carragher emphasized, “It’s not about a ‘send-off’ for Trent. It’s about assessing whether Conor Bradley is the right player for us next season, playing consistently.”
He added, “Liverpool’s decision is: do we make Conor Bradley our primary right-back and acquire a backup, or do we buy a first-choice right-back and have Bradley compete for the position?”
“Bradley requires as much exposure as possible. Bring Alexander-Arnold on if necessary to win a game, but for starting positions, if Trent is not committed, Bradley should start every match,” Carragher asserted.
Alexander-Arnold’s Celebration and Future Uncertainty
Following his goal against Leicester, Alexander-Arnold’s exuberant celebration in front of Liverpool’s supporters led to questions about its meaning.
Carragher downplayed any hidden significance, stating, “Not really.”
“He has remained mostly silent about his future all season. While a decision may already be made, and many believe it has, it’s challenging for him to give a candid response. The frustration for Liverpool fans stems from the open commitment expressed by Van Dijk and Salah throughout their contract negotiations, contrasting with the silence from Trent, a local player. Many likely anticipate the outcome,” Carragher suggested.
Alexander-Arnold’s passionate celebration after scoring the winner against Leicester City
Alexander-Arnold Remains Coy
Alexander-Arnold himself remained evasive when questioned about his future after the game, maintaining his stance throughout the ongoing speculation. “I’ve consistently said I won’t discuss my situation publicly. I won’t delve into specifics, but days like today are incredibly special,” he told Sky Sports. “Scoring goals, playing, winning, and competing for titles are memorable moments I cherish, and I’m grateful to be part of them.”
Reports last month from Mail Sport indicated Real Madrid’s confidence in securing Alexander-Arnold on a free transfer this summer, with Spanish sources suggesting the transfer is “all but finalized.”
Alexander-Arnold’s Liverpool Legacy
Trent Alexander-Arnold has been associated with Liverpool since joining their youth academy in 2004. Since his first-team debut in 2016, he has made 350 appearances for the Reds, contributing to seven trophy victories at Anfield. The contract situation and potential Real Madrid transfer continues to be a major talking point for Liverpool fans.