Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher has made a bold claim about Trent Alexander-Arnold’s role in the team, stating that the right-back should not start another game this season.
“Not About Send-Offs”: Carragher Explains Why Trent Should Sit Out Remainder of Season
Despite Alexander-Arnold scoring a crucial late winner in Liverpool’s 1-0 victory over Leicester, Carragher believes it’s time for 20-year-old Conor Bradley to step into the starting role.
Speaking on Sky Sports after the game, Carragher said Liverpool must look ahead and prepare for life without Trent, who is reportedly set to join Real Madrid when his contract expires this summer.
“You can’t replace him like for like—he’s unique,” Carragher admitted.
“But if he hasn’t committed to the club, he shouldn’t be starting games. It’s about preparing for next season, and Conor Bradley deserves that opportunity.”
Carragher praised Alexander-Arnold’s exceptional technical ability, comparing his creativity to that of Kevin De Bruyne.
However, he stressed that Liverpool’s evolution shouldn’t be focused on replicating Trent’s style from right-back, but rather building new attacking options in midfield or out wide.
Bradley, who has impressed in his first-team outings this season, is seen by Carragher as a “proper full-back” in the mold of Andy Robertson—aggressive, energetic, and reliable.
“We need to see if he’s the one to take over permanently. These next few weeks are crucial for his development,” Carragher added.
Although fellow pundit Micah Richards suggested Alexander-Arnold deserved a few more appearances as a send-off, Carragher disagreed.
“Liverpool isn’t a club that hands out send-offs. This is about what’s best for the team, not sentiment.”
With five games remaining and the Reds 13 points clear at the top, Alexander-Arnold’s last-minute goal may have sealed the title.
However, Carragher believes the future must start now—with Conor Bradley at right-back.
Liverpool could officially be crowned Premier League champions as early as Wednesday, depending on Arsenal’s result against Crystal Palace.
