Liverpool finally have their superstar to replace Trent Alexander-Arnold | OneFootball

They are now lacking when it comes to build-up play. Liverpool are struggling to find gaps, make those long switches and to outplay their opponents.

Slot's side are keeping the ball, but it's dithering. There is no purpose, nor much useful phases of play.

Alexander-Arnold was imperative in these passages of play during his time at Liverpool. Now, the Reds are having to search for someone else.

Adam Wharton is a player who has been touted about as the solution. But there may be an even better long-term option for half the price.

17-year-old Nathan De Cat is a player you're going to be hearing about a lot more often in the coming years.

© IMAGO - Nathan De Cat Liverpool

Why? It's simple.

He has the kind of technical elegance that is akin to Wharton. Blessed with long legs and an athletic physique, it's eye-catching when you watch him play.

With the low socks, there is an element of Alexander-Arnold in his ability on the ball. He is sublime at switching play and going long over the top of the opposition's defence.

De Cat's vision and ability to stay calm and composed under pressure is what makes him the ideal replacement for Alexander-Arnold.

He isn't a right-back but he is good at dropping deep and finding the passes that Alexander-Arnold would have found.

Don't believe us? Well, believe the numbers. Out of midfielders who have averaged 5 long balls per 90 minutes in the Jupiler Pro League, De Cat has the best pass completion rate (62%).

He doesn't just see those passes and attempt them, he executes them at a high rate.

A long pass is the most difficult pass in football. That's why coaches generally prefer to play it short. It's a Hail Mary every single time when you go long.

Sometimes, when you have nothing else to resort to, it's worth a punt.

But when you have a player who you can rely on to pull it off, you basically find a cheat-code.

That's what Alexander-Arnold was for Liverpool. That's what De Cat could become, too. And it's why his incredible talent is the perfect replacement for the Reds' former no.66 at Anfield.

In our opinion, this is a move that is simply going to happen. Hughes and the club's recruitment team are smart enough to see what is so obvious to everyone.