Liverpool will need to sign multiple players in the upcoming summer window to replicate the impact of Trent Alexander-Arnold on the team, Reds transfer expert David Lynch has claimed.
The Reds beat West Ham United 2-1 at Anfield on Sunday and moved to within two victories of securing the Premier League title, but perhaps news of Mohamed Salah signing a new contract at the club overshadowed the Merseysiders' win.
While captain Virgil van Dijk is also reportedly close to signing a new deal, reports have suggested that vice-captain Alexander Arnold is likely to leave, and his exit could significantly damage Liverpool's ability to create chances.
Lynch argued that Alexander-Arnold's impact with the ball can only be replicated through the addition of multiple players, telling Sports Mole: "You can't sign a right-back who can progress the ball in that way he can because he's the only one in world football [who can], which is why he's wanted by Real Madrid and why he's been so fantastic for Liverpool. That player doesn't exist.
"Even the second best to Trent in that regard is nowhere near him, so you've got to replace his qualities in the aggregate, to use the money ball phrase. You've got to find ways of doing that, and that is another passer in midfield, it's a left-back who can bring the ball forward, dribbling.
"A centre-forward who can help you just get out in a very simple way by lumping the ball forward. It is going to take multiple players to replace Trent and what he brings to the team because he's so unique."
The Reds did attempt to sign Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi in the previous summer transfer window, and perhaps they will look to reignite their interest in him given his ability on the ball.
How much will Alexander-Arnold's exit damage Liverpool?
During his time at Anfield, Alexander-Arnold has scored 17 goals and provided 64 assists in the Premier League, and he has established himself as one of the most creative players in the division.
The defender has also proven pivotal to Liverpool's buildup play, with his passing range helping the team bypass opponents when they press aggressively.
Lynch highlighted the Reds' games against Paris Saint-Germain and Newcastle United in March, as well as their 3-2 loss against Fulham earlier this month, as evidence of how Liverpool struggle without Alexander-Arnold when he told Sports Mole: "Liverpool didn't really threaten after he went off against PSG and he had a lot of momentum and they were playing very, very well in that game.
"After he went off against PSG, they didn't look quite as threatening going forward, and then the Newcastle game. [Newcastle] put pressure on the midfielders and as soon as they did that, Liverpool had no way of getting out, no way of progressing the ball.
"That's been an issue all season when Trent has missed games, and then again against Fulham. The creativity is not quite at the level that it used to be [with Alexander-Arnold]. On the surface, it looks like, 'oh God, if this is what it's going to be like when he leaves, then Liverpool are in real trouble'".
The Merseysiders have scored six goals in their past five games, whereas they had managed to find the back of the net 10 times in their prior five outings.
© Imago
Can Bradley help fill the void?
Arne Slot utilised Curtis Jones on the right side of defence against Fulham on April 13 in place of Alexander-Arnold, and the natural midfielder struggled to fill the void at right-back.
However, Conor Bradley returned to the starting lineup against West Ham and was instrumental to the Reds' strong first-half performance, with his movement helping free up space for Mohamed Salah.
Speaking to Sports Mole, Lynch argued that the Northern Irishman could step up in Alexander-Arnold's absence, but added that others will also have to help progress the ball, saying: "Connor Bradley - he has progression in him. That's what he's all about. He does it in a different way to Trent. He doesn't play the long passes in behind. He's not got that range, very few players do.
"He's a dribbler and he drives forward, drags players with him and creates space. I think Liverpool would have been better if they'd had Connor Bradley rather Jones or Quansah over the last few games. [Liverpool's mixed performances] have been a combination of missing them both rather than just missing Trent.
"When they go into next season, they have to get progression from elsewhere as well. I think Connor Bradley can provide some of it when he's starting at right-back with his dribbling, but they have to find more passes from midfield. They have to find more progression from left-back as well. They have to find - I've mentioned this before - a centre-forward who can hold the ball up incredibly well."
Liverpool have strongly been linked with a move for a successor to left-back Andrew Robertson, so perhaps the Reds will be fielding two new starters in defence in 2025-26.
Lewis Nolan
