Chelsea star is perfect Trent Alexander-Arnold replacement for Liverpool
Liverpool could lose star right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold with his contract expiring in the summer.
The 26-year-old is free to negotiate with foreign clubs after the two parties failed to agree on a new deal before 1 January.
Real Madrid has stepped up their interest in the England international resulting in a formal approach on 31 December which was rebuffed in strong terms by the Reds. [Andy Hunter]
Liverpool News has identified four options for Arne Slot’s side to replace the academy graduate and evaluated them based on statistics.
Firstly, it is important to look at Alexander-Arnold’s stats before making comparisons, the right-back is known for his ability on the ball and this is highlighted in the numbers this season.
He ranks in the 91st percentile in all competitions among full-backs for assists, recording an an average of 0.21 per match.
He also lands in the top three per cent for shot-creating actions in his position with 4.05 per 90 minutes and in the top one per cent for passes into the final third with 6.96 per match.
Defensively his numbers are nowhere near as impressive, he ranks in just the 7th percentile for the percentage of dribblers tackled with 43.1 per cent, the 77th percentile for tackles (2.38) and the 72nd for interceptions (1.14).
Could Liverpool look to Premier League rivals?
There are two options from Premier League rivals that the Reds could look to bring in if Alexander-Arnold leaves, Malo Gusto from Chelsea and Pedro Porro from Tottenham.
Malo Gusto
The former Lyon star has emerged as a key player for Enzo Maresca this season with captain Reece James injured for the majority of the campaign.
However, if the England international returns to full-fitness that could leave the Blues with a big problem in their right-back department with Gusto not willing to play second fiddle.
If Alexander-Arnold leaves, the Reds could emerge as a contender for the Frenchman’s signature if he becomes unhappy at Stamford Bridge.
His attacking numbers are not too far behind the Three Lions star, Gusto ranks within the top 17th percentile in all competitions among full-backs for shot-creating actions with 2.87, assists with 0.18 per 90 and passes into the final third with 4.07 per 90 minutes.
Defensively, his numbers are better than the Reds star, he ranks in the 82nd percentile for dribblers tackled with a success rate of 64.5 per cent and the 86th percentile for tackles (2.74) but for interceptions, he only ranks in the 66th percentile (1.07).
A deal for Gusto would likely be hard to strike with a bitter rivalry existing between the two clubs but on paper he represents the best option.
Pedro Porro
Tottenham have endured a tough season so far as pressure mounts on Ange Postecoglou but the Spaniard has impressed regardless.
The 25-year-old could look to leave Spurs with the Lilywhites languishing in 11th place in the league at the moment and facing a tough task to qualify for the Champions League at the moment.
Porro compares favorably to Alexander-Arnold in terms of his attacking numbers per match, the Spurs man ranks in the 77th percentile for assists (0.14), the 86th percentile for passes into the final third (4.46) and the 88th percentile for shot-creating actions (3.13).
However, defensively he would seem to come with similar issues, he ranks in the 35th percentile for dribblers tackled with a success rate of 53 per cent, the 58th percentile for tackles (2.11) and the 78th for interceptions (1.21).
A deal for Porro would be complicated as Spurs would be unwilling to allow him to leave for a top six rival but the allure of Champions League football may leave them helpless to resist.
European options for the Reds
Arne Slot and co may turn to Europe for their replacement for Alexander-Arnold if they cannot tempt either London club to part ways with their assets.
Two options stand out for the Reds if they decide to shop in Europe’s top-five leagues and that is Bayer Leverkusen’s Jeremie Frimpong and AS Monaco’s Vanderson.
Jeremie Frimpong
The former Manchester City academy star has enjoyed a stunning rise to stardom under Xabi Alonso but would represent a risk for Arne Slot as he is a wing-back rather than a full-back.
In terms of his attacking numbers per 90 minutes, he ranks in the 85th percentile for assists (0.18), the 89th percentile for shot-creating actions (3.19) but only the 1st percentile for passes into the final third (0.76) primarily due to his more advanced role.
Defensively, his numbers are abysmal as a result of that role, he ranks in the 7th percentile for the percentage of dribbles tackled with a success rate of 43.2 per cent, in the 6th percentile for tackles (1.18) and the 3rd percentile for interceptions (0.33)
It is unlikely that Slot would change his system completely to accommodate his compatriot but it is a wildcard option.
Vanderson
The Monaco man is the least attacking option on the list but he would bring a more solid defensive presence to the Merseysiders’ backline.
Unlike typical Brazilian full-backs like Roberto Carlos, Marcelo and Dani Alves, he is not particularly brilliant going forward, he ranks in the 72nd percentile for assists (0.12), the 62nd percentile for shot-creating actions (2.23) and the 64th for passes into the final third (3.14).
However in defence is where he excels, ranking in the 51st percentile for percentage of dribblers tackled with a success rate of 56 per cent, the 98th percentile for tackles (3.47) and the 99th percentile for interceptions (2.03).
The 23-year-old would be a departure from what Reds supporters are used to from their right-back in recent times but would allow Slot to focus his build-up through midfield, allowing the likes of Alexis Mac Allister and Domink Szoboszlai to thrive while keeping the team defensively solid.
Conclusion
The safest bet for Liverpool would be to keep Alexander-Arnold at the club but that looks to be a challenge with Madrid sniffing around.
Conor Bradley has impressed in limited appearances but it remains to be seen whether he can make a consistent impact on the first-team.
Chelsea man Gusto would be the best all-around option on the market but whether the Blues would allow him to move to Merseyside is a major sticking point.
In other Liverpool news, Jamie Carragher has launched a shocking accusation against Alexander-Arnold’s entourage.
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