Liverpool can pin their hopes on emerging academy starlet if they lose Trent Alexander-Arnold - opinion

12/29/2024 11:00 AM

Liverpool supporters have not had to worry about the right side of their defence for almost a decade.

While other areas of the team have chopped and changed since 2016/17, the Reds’ right-back has not.

During that period, Trent Alexander-Arnold emerged from the Liverpool academy to become arguably the best right full-back in world football.

Still only 26, Alexander-Arnold should be a guarantee in the Liverpool XI for at least the next four or five years.

However, rumblings are starting to emerge that Alexander-Arnold is likely to leave Liverpool to join Real Madrid on a free transfer next summer.

If that does indeed transpire, then Reds supporters will be left wondering just what happens next. But with Conor Bradley already primed to take over, fans should also be keeping an eye on 17-year-old DJ Esdaille who is making waves in the academy.

DJ Esdaille could be next in-line for Liverpool

If Alexander-Arnold walks out of Anfield for nothing next summer, the reaction from supporters will be ferocious.

But aside from any ill-will directed towards the player himself, the focus must be on how Liverpool move on from and improve without their No.66.

Bradley has shown signs that he can be the answer for Arne Slot, but the 21-year-old is injury-prone and still has something to prove consistently at the top level.

Slot could bring in a new signing from outside the club, with Jeremie Frimpong one of those heavily linked.

READ MORE: Liverpool look like they've let a 16-year-old wonderkid slip away after what he's done at new club

But whatever the Liverpool owners decide in the short-term, Esdaille could yet be the player they are looking for in the longer-term future.

Still only 17, there is obviously a need to be careful when hyping up a youngster like Esdaille. But the right-back has been mightily impressive for the academy this season and his progress should console those disappointed with Trent’s hypothetical exit.

Liverpool can replace Trent Alexander-Arnold

Although Alexander-Arnold leaving would undoubtedly be a real disappointment for supporters, the 26-year-old is not as irreplaceable as a Virgil van Dijk or a Mohamed Salah.

What Trent gives Liverpool in terms of creativity cannot be overstated. However, it’s true that there are right-backs out there who are better defensively than the Scouser.

If Liverpool can nurture someone like Esdaille to be the long-term successor to Alexander-Arnold, then they could be in business.

Bradley should obviously be given a go first, and the Northern Ireland international could sow up the spot for years to come if he does well. But there is also life in the Liverpool academy beyond Bradley.

In reality, even if Alexander-Arnold stays, there is still a chance that Esdaille can be the one to take over his legacy. The teenager only turned 17 at the start of December. Whatever happens with Trent, he has a big future on the cards.