Micah Richards ‘gutted’ after what’s happened to Alexander-Arnold
Liverpool host Arsenal on Sunday in a clash which pits the Premier League’s top-two sides up against each other.
However, the gap between the Anfield giants and Mikel Arteta’s men is a sizeable one, as Arne Slot’s side clinched the Premier League title with four games to spare via a 5-1 win over Tottenham on 27 April.
But the Reds do have a point to prove after losing 3-1 to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on 4 May, and will want their impressive season to have a strong ending.
Last time out against the Gunners, Liverpool had to settle for a draw at the Emirates Stadium back in October, with Mohamed Salah notching a late equaliser.
Richards devastated by Trent Alexander-Arnold’s Liverpool exit
Ahead of Alexander-Arnold’s increasingly imminent move to Real Madrid, Slot revealed he will not select the right-back for Sunday’s clash with Arsenal, instead opting for Conor Bradley.
| Trent Alexander-Arnold | Premier League stats 2024/25 |
| Appearances | 31 |
| Goals | 3 |
| Assists | 6 |
Speaking on Sky Sports Premier League [11 May], Micah Richards said: “I’m just more gutted for him personally.
“On a personal note, in terms of his quality in the Premier League, and what he brings. Watching a full-back, football in terms of the full-back has changed so much, and what he’s done on the pitch has just been incredible, and to see him leave the Premier League.
“I just think it’s sad, because we want the best players within the league, but I totally understand his decision as well.
Slot is right to drop Alexander-Arnold in favour of Bradley
Richards is spot on in his analysis that Alexander-Arnold has revolutionised the role of the full-back, and his services have been an asset to the Premier League.
However, Slot must now look ahead to next season at Anfield, which will not involve the 26-year-old who will hope to win even more silverware with Madrid.
Selecting Bradley instead of Alexander-Arnold against high-calibre opponents such as Arsenal is a clear nod to the future, while it hands the Northern Ireland international a key opportunity to show the Reds what he is capable of.
Amid Alexander-Arnold’s presence, the 21-year-old has endured a lack of game time this season, making just four Premier League starts.
But his teammate’s Madrid-bound exit could see Bradley utilised as Slot’s first-choice right-back next season, unless the Dutchman turns to the transfer market to find a replacement for the talented Liverpudlian.
Bradley burst onto the scene, making seven goal contributions in 23 appearances across all competitions last term, and will hope for regular game time next campaign.