“Carragher Pushes for a Pivotal Shift: Slot Urged to Drop Liverpool Star for Season’s Finale”
“Carragher Pushes for Drastic Action: Slot Advised to Bench Liverpool Ace for Season’s Climax”
Liverpool moved to within a single win of clinching the Premier League title after battling to a gritty victory over Leicester City on Sunday afternoon. Heading into the match at the King Power Stadium, the Reds were heavily favored to secure a comfortable victory against Leicester, who have spent the season struggling near the bottom of the table.
Despite the stark contrast in form, Leicester delivered a spirited performance, managing to frustrate the league leaders for much of the game. “The tension finally erupted as the breakthrough came with just 14 minutes left on the clock.”
A chaotic sequence in the box ended with the ball landing at Trent Alexander-Arnold’s feet, and the full-back fired a stunning left-footed strike into the net. Liverpool maintained control for the remainder of the match, securing all three points and inching closer to their ultimate goal.
Following the match, Jamie Carragher commented on Alexander-Arnold’s performance, controversially suggesting that the defender should not start for Liverpool for the rest of the season.
Alexander-Arnold celebrated passionately after scoring what proved to be the decisive goal. However, uncertainty looms over his future at Liverpool, as the 26-year-old refused to comment on his plans beyond this summer when questioned post-match.
Jamie Carragher praised Alexander-Arnold’s abilities following the game but suggested that Liverpool’s manager, Arne Slot, should bench him for the remainder of the season. Speaking on Sky Sports, via Goal, Carragher said:
“He is irreplaceable due to his distinctive qualities.” He’s the most discussed full-back in Premier League history precisely because he’s one of a kind.” He’s different.
“Yes, there are questions about his defensive capabilities, but his skill on the ball is unmatched—it’s like having Kevin De Bruyne at right-back. He can change games, and Liverpool won’t find another player like him.
“Instead, Liverpool need to adapt. They won’t replicate his creativity at right-back, so they’ll have to look elsewhere—perhaps in attacking midfield or on the left wing. The team has to evolve. As for Conor Bradley, if he steps in, he shouldn’t aim to emulate Trent but rather follow Andy Robertson’s example: a solid, aggressive full-back who contributes in traditional ways like overlapping and crossing.
“The key issue is this: if Trent hasn’t pledged his commitment to Liverpool’s future plans—and it’s clear he hasn’t—he shouldn’t be in the starting lineup.” This is the tough decision Liverpool must face before the summer.”
"You can't replace him" ❌
Jamie Carragher on how Liverpool will look to replace Trent Alexander-Arnold, should he leave at the end of the season. pic.twitter.com/niJSx20lo8
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) April 20, 2025
“Carragher laid out a compelling case for why Alexander-Arnold should be sidelined for the remainder of the season.” He stated, “Liverpool’s priority isn’t to give someone a farewell appearance. With Conor Bradley, they have a promising young player. We’re not talking about a seasoned 27 or 28-year-old here, but a developing talent who had a challenging 15 to 20 minutes at the start of the game—that’s part of the learning curve for any young player.
“I’ve faced those situations in my career, and so has Gary [Neville], who was commentating. This isn’t about giving Trent a send-off. It’s about evaluating whether Conor Bradley is ready to be the first-choice right-back next season and play consistently.
“The key decision for Liverpool is whether Bradley steps up as the starting right-back with a backup utility player who can cover multiple positions, including center-back, or if the club needs to invest in a new first-choice right-back for Bradley to compete with.
“Bradley requires as much playing time as possible to build his experience.” Sure, you can bring Trent on in crucial moments, like today or in the match against Spurs, if you need to win. “If Trent hasn’t shown commitment to the club’s future—and it’s clear he hasn’t—then Bradley should take his place in the starting lineup for every game going forward.”
Liverpool’s next challenge comes on Sunday, April 27, when they host Tottenham at Anfield. A win would secure their second Premier League title. Whether Alexander-Arnold starts or is relegated to the bench remains uncertain.