By Joe Durrans
As the rumours continue to grow regarding Trent Alexander-Arnold’s departure it is time that Liverpool begin to think about his long-term replacement. They have started with the promising Dutch full-back Givairo Read who has stated that his preference is to join the Reds over other Premier League giants.
The 18-year-old has made 23 appearances this season so far for Feyenoord and has managed to earn himself 7 assists which has made him one of the most promising full-backs in Europe.
He is an attacking defender who is determined to get forward and help out which pegs him as a good replacement for the world-class fullback that will be leaving Liverpool in the summer. He is known for his versatility as he is capable of playing both sides, to pair with this he is also strong defensively (displayed by his brilliant performance against AC Milan and Rafael Leao) which will offer the Reds some stability that they have often lacked this season down the right flank.
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Offensively, he contributes with precise passing and the ability to support attacks down the flanks which will allow Mo Salah to operate in his preferred insight right channel. To partner this, he is a physical demon that can get up and down the pitch without tiring, he is dominant with regards to his pace and acceleration which will allow Liverpool to become much more fluid and quicker in transitions.
Although he does not possess the passing ability and intelligence of Trent that does not mean he will not work for Liverpool, this is because it would allow Slot to adapt his system against stronger sides to allow them to hold the width better and exploit teams down the flanks.
Read is a player who is not afraid to get on the ball and drive his team forward as he ranks in the 86th percentile for touches and in the 84th percentile for chances created compared to other fullbacks, this evidences that he will be capable of playing in Slot’s inverted right-back role since he is a comfortable and composed player that can work in tight spaces given his past of being a striker.
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If indeed Alexander-Arnold does leave this summer it feels certain that Richard Hughes and co will have to look to bolster the right-back department and Read feels like a wholly viable option alongside the likes of Jeremie Frimpong.
Whilst the emergence of Conor Bradley has been notable, with his inexperience and current injury issues it’s unlikely that the Northern Irishman can be viewed as the out and out answer right now.
Alternatively, Joe Gomez’s future would appear uncertain and Calvin Ramsay is currently out on loan at Kilmarnock having failed to make his mark on Merseyside following a big switch down from Aberdeen, therefore, a move for Read who has already stated ‘Liverpool! No one else’ when asked about his future, would make a lot of sense.
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