Liverpool has found its Trent Alexander-Arnold replacement — but it isn't Frimpong or Bradley

Jeremie Frimpong and Conor Bradley.

Though it has become a trend among some Liverpool fans on social media to comically point out the defensive deficiencies in Trent Alexander-Arnold's game every time he appears for Real Madrid, there can be no doubt that he will be missed at Anfield.

It has always been true that Alexander-Arnold's perceived lack of contributions at the back has been exaggerated, and that remains the case.

But so too does his ability to spring attacks with one long pass, or switch play effortlessly with incredible technique.

Alexander-Arnold was, at his peak, a truly transformational full-back:

a game-changer in terms of both his passing range and how he dictated matches for Liverpool from deep, and also how the position was viewed and gauged generally.

Suddenly, the right-back in the team could be seen as influential.

In his best season for Liverpool, Alexander-Arnold created 13 goals in the Premier League. For comparison, attacking Kevin De Bruyne averaged just under 12 per season in the top flight during his time with Manchester City.

Liverpool tried its best to pin Alexander-Arnold down to a contract extension, but while he had a good relationship with Arne Slot and was winning trophies with his boyhood side, the allure of Real Madrid proved too tempting.

Alexander-Arnold wanted to try something different, and that was the one thing that Liverpool was never going to be able to offer him. In Spain, he will experience a new life and have the chance to learn a new language.

Without him, Slot will have to come up with a slightly different plan. Perhaps more so under Jurgen Klopp than the Dutchman, the Liverpool attacking set-up centered around Alexander-Arnold.

Last season, more emphasis was placed on Mohamed Salah to create, and Alexander-Arnold's role — perhaps in anticipation of him leaving — was altered to being more conventional.

Still, though, he set up eight goals in all competitions and played his part.

Minus that creativity from full-back, Liverpool will have to find other ways of breaking down defenses.

And while right-back options Conor Bradley and Jeremie Frimpong will offer part of the solution, neither can offer Alexander-Arnold's level of delivery.

Fear not, though, for Liverpool has already signed the ideal alternative — someone who plays a completely different position.