The solution to Trent Alexander-Arnold problem is staring Arne Slot in the face

If Conor Bradley wasn’t already playing for Liverpool then he’d probably be the kind of player the club would be looking for to replace Trent Alexander-Arnold.

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An aggressive, attack-minded right-back, Bradley at 21 is also the right age profile for the Reds recruiters.

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And beneficially, Liverpool have been given several opportunities over the course of the past year to “road test” Bradley in order to ascertain whether he can challenge Trent for a first-team spot or take his place in the team should he leave.

Bradley couldn’t have timed his emergence any better with Alexander-Arnold firmly on the radar of Real Madrid ahead of a potential blockbuster free transfer in summer 2025.

Owing to Trent’s various knocks and injuries over the last 12 months or so, Bradley has had ample opportunity to showcase his credentials. And he’s NEVER let them down under Jurgen Klopp or Arne Slot.

While other academy graduates have struggled under Slot - namely Jarell Quansah, Tyler Morton and Harvey Elliott - Bradley has earned the trust of the Dutchman.

Why are Liverpool looking for a right-back?

He’s gone toe to toe with the very best players in the world and come out on top. Witness the viral tackles on both Kylian Mbappe and Son Heung-min for evidence of that. But Bradley is no hatchet man looking to make a name for himself.

He is a genuine emerging force and a homegrown talent which makes Liverpool’s search for a right-back in the transfer market look redundant.

Jeremie Frimpong, Lutsharel Geertruida, Amar Dedic and Vanderson are reported to be among the candidates to succeed Trent.

Given the transfer fees and wages potentially involved, I’m sure every Liverpool fan would prefer the Northern Irishman be given the chance to audition for the part long-term.

Slot: 'Two very good' right-backs

He was again among the best players on the pitch as Liverpool overcame Tottenham in the Carabao Cup semi-final second leg on Thursday night at Anfield.

Bradley won eight duels and completed eight dribbles - the most for any player on the pitch. He also created three chances, including an assured assist for Cody Gakpo, and delivered a sumptuous nutmeg into the bargain.

We know Trent has got some irreplaceable qualities as a Liverpool player, not least his range of long and short passing. Bradley is a very different prospect, one who looks far more at home as a natural right-back.

Arne Slot was asked directly whether Bradley could take over from Trent in the first team on Friday morning. “I think it's fair to say that, for many positions, we have two very good players,” he said.

“I can go through the whole team. It's normal when you work at a club for this magnitude. Right full-back is definitely a position where that is true.”

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If Trent is to leave at the end of the season - taking his £180,000 per week salary with him - then Liverpool have a ready-made solution in place and Arne Slot knows it too.

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