Liverpool will finally replace Trent Alexander-Arnold with sublime right-back | OneFootball

There's an obvious candidate to replace Trent Alexander-Arnold at Liverpool.

It's been a struggle without the Reds' former no.66. Unfortunately, Alexander-Arnold's absence has been felt more than people are talking about.

Last season his presence in both the build-up and creativity in the final third was essential to unlocking low-blocks and creating a possession-based style that was both effective and very productive.

It's no surprise that without him, Liverpool's build-up has been a little stunted and as a result nothing has looked quite the same.

Arne Slot's structure has also fallen apart. Things just look messy.

Although it was different against West Ham United. With Slot deciding to use Florian Wirtz as the focal point and letting everything flow through him it looked like there is something to work with.

In that system Joe Gomez played a very interesting role. He was thrust often into forward positions, playing very high up the pitch and being tasked with putting crosses into the box.

It was quite an unorthodox role for Gomez. He is more of a deep full-back when he does play that position. But on Sunday afternoon at West Ham, he found himself going forward quite frequently.

Long-term this is a role that could suit Jeremie Frimpong but it may also suit another Dutch right-back, who is a boyhood Liverpool supporter.

Given the right-back situation is a weak spot for Liverpool, it would not be a surprise to see Richard Hughes enter the market again.

The perfect right-back could just be Givairo Read. He's already said he was a big Liverpool fan in the past, and he's worked with Arne Slot, too.

The Dutch coach gave him his professional debut while at Feyenoord so he will be well aware of the player.

Read would be perfectly suited to Gomez's role in that Liverpool system. He's very good at going forward but he can also drop deep and become a progressive passer in the build-up phase.

His hybrid profile makes him an ideal right-back for Liverpool.

On top of everything he's a very good crosser of the ball. Out of full-backs in the Eredivisie who averaged at least 2.5 crosses per 90 minutes in the last calendar year - Read has the second best accuracy (39%).

© IMAGO - Givairo Read Liverpool