EXCLUSIVE: The lowdown on Martim Fernandes and why he will make Mo Salah EVEN better at Liverpool

Now that Trent Alexander-Arnold is leaving, Liverpool will need to replace him and the club should look no further than Martim Fernandes, who is a revelation over at Porto.

The 19-year-old right back has risen through the Portuguese club's academy over the last two seasons, making a stake to receive regular minutes for the historic European cornerstone.

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And to say that he has shone is an understatement, since he is now one of the standout defenders in Liga Portugal, demonstrating extraordinary attacking numbers while helping to keep six clean sheets in 14 starts.

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We all know that right-backs of Alexander-Arnold's calibre don't come around very often, and Liverpool fans have never really had to imagine what life would be like without the Scouser playing down the right flank.

Yet all of a sudden, there is an unease about how the club transitions. Is a player like Jeremie Frimpong too attacking given his experience as a wing-back in Bayer Leverkusen's setup? Is a more defensive right back necessary for Arne Slot's system, or will the loss of creativity negatively impact the team?

In Fernandes, you get a player who can offer a similar skillset to Trent, although he would be spending the developmental stages of his career working under Slot.

To get a thorough examination of the player, Anfield Watch spoke to António Mango, a freelance U23 football scout. This was his verdict.

What is Fernandes' best position?

Martim Fernandes’ progressed through the Porto Academy as a natural right-back in a back four, which is where he’s spent his short senior career. Occasionally he has been utilised as a wing-back in a back 5 but those are rare occasions. He’s at his best as a right-back.

What kind of full-back is he and what are his most impressive qualities?

Fernandes truly shines when used as an offensive right-back, having the freedom to dominate the right side in support of attacks. He thrives in transition, progressing the team forwards and contributing to attacking plays. His movement is really positive and intelligent, comfortable overlapping or inverting into midfield providing underlapping runs depending on his wingers actions.

Fernandes is a strong ball-carrier, excelling in direct, powerful progressive carries using a combination of technical ability and pace. He’s at the forefront when it comes to driving his team forward, currently averaging second most dribbles Per90 (1.1) in the Porto squad with the highest success rate (61%) highlighting his proficiency in dribbling.

Furthermore, Fernandes possesses the ability to create. With great vision, incisive passing and willingness to whip inviting crosses into the box, Fernandes has created the most biggest chances from open play (12) than any other Porto player in The Primeira Liga this season as well as recording 5 assists in 14 starts.

Is he more of a physical or technical player?

Whilst he does hold a powerful stride, he’s more of a technical player. Excellent technical ability and passing range, if he was to transition into the Premier League physicality is something that would have to be worked on. While he’s happy duelling and engaging in battles, his success rate is relatively low and this could be problematic with the pace and physicality of the Premier League.

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How has his development gone so far and would working under Arne Slot be a positive move for his career?

Fernandes has had a pretty seamless transition into senior football which speaks volumes about his mentality and maturity. I say this in the best possible way because every young player should have more of this, he does the basics extremely well which is a very rare trait. He’s had zero errors leading to a goal or shot thus far in his senior career.

Arne Slot has proven he has the nouse for unearthing hidden gems to improve the side, you just have to look at what he achieved with Feyenoord who aren’t blessed with deep pockets, Slot managed to lead Feyenoord to the Eredivisie title in 2022/23 and the KNVB Cup in 2023/24, while also reaching the UEFA Europa Conference League final in 2021/22 with third youngest squad in Eredivisie. As a result, working under Slot would be a great move for Fernandes.

Is he prepared for the pressures of the Premier League and the expectations that come from being a Liverpool player, especially one replacing Trent?

Obviously expectations rise when you move to a historic club like Liverpool so naturally will be difficult for a 19-year-old to come straight in to be relied upon right away, he will gradually need to be eased in. However, mentally wise he’s took everything thrown at him into his stride thus far. He’s a real matured character on and off the pitch. There are flaws that will need to be ironed out but going into strong foundations with experienced players that Liverpool have will ease those pressures.

Are Porto willing to let him go given he is a home-grown player?

Porto have never been a team that will stand in the way of a player, they’re a club that prides themselves on producing talents who reach the pinnacle of football. Plus, financially it would suit both parties.

Is playing in the Champions League something he would relish after getting minutes for Porto in the Europa League this season?

Absolutely, Fernandes has proven he can hold his own in Europa League. Known the personality of his, he would be excited by the opportunity. I personally do believe over the next few years he should be looking to showcase his talent in Europes biggest competition.

How different a profile is Fernandes to Conor Bradley who he will be competing with for the left-back role and does Fernandes have what it takes to be Liverpool’s first-team starter in the position?

While there are similarities, they excel in different areas.

Both happy to engage and retain possession, Conor Bradley is more accurate and superior in winning ground and aerial duels. Whereas Fernandes would offer a bigger transition threat and more quality in the final third with higher chance creation.

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Does Fernandes have what it takes to be better than Trent Alexander-Arnold at Liverpool?

To forecast someone to be better than Trent Alexander-Arnold is tough, someone who holds the record of assists for Premier League defenders. However, does he potentially have the capabilities to be impactful and help Liverpool Football Club to compete at the highest level of football? With a little coaching on his defensive awareness I certainly do think so.

Football is build on profiles and partnerships, Fernandes’ style would help to continue get the best out of Mo Salah. His energetic style and ability to overlap and balance the right side would allow Salah to be efficient in space which is arguably his best quality.