He is by no means the only player out of form, but Trent Alexander-Arnold hasn’t performed to the level Liverpool expect this season.

Vinicius Jr. made light work of Liverpool’s right-back across two legs in the Champions League, and Alexander-Arnold came in for some criticism.

After the Real Madrid match, Jamie Carragher said that his fellow Scouser “needs to, at the end of this season, have a long think about where he is as a right-back.”

But is Alexander-Arnold really a liability in defence or is the debate over a change of position overblown?

Here, Liverpool fans Henry Jackson (@HenryJackson87), Tom Eves (@TomEvesJourno) and Adam Beattie (@beatts94) assess where the 24-year-old is up to in his career and if something needs to change at right-back.

First off, how would you assess his season so far?

Adam: It’s one he’d rather forget, that’s for sure, on a personal level as well as a collective.

Confidence has been hard to come by across the whole squad but he certainly seems to have felt it more than most.

Henry: It’s been a disaster, let’s face it.

He has arguably been Liverpool’s most consistently poor player in a terrible season for so many individuals.

Defensively, he has switched off time and time again, being targeted by opposition wingers, and just two assists in the league show that he has also not been as effective in an attacking sense.

Tom: We’re so used to celebrating Trent’s assist tally, and what he offers going forward, yet, like Henry says, this season he only has two assists in the Premier League.

I think he, himself, will have wanted more than that at this stage.

Henry: Trent hasn’t been helped out by Liverpool’s struggles overall with the midfield not offering him any protection, but there is no denying that this has been a really poor season for him.

It doesn’t help when the team’s not playing well, do you think it’s just a blip?

Adam: I remember similar conversations during the pandemic season and he certainly wasn’t the only one.

I’m hopeful that new signings in midfield will help him because we’re painfully short of legs there at the minute and, obviously, that leaves him somewhat exposed.

Tom: Yeah, it is definitely a blip.

We all know how good Trent can be and the talent he possesses, I think he just needs to get some confidence back.

Henry: All great players go through tough periods – look at Marcus Rashford last season compared to this one, for example, or Steven Gerrard in his younger years.

Trent will be back to his best after a break in the summer with new signings made.

Is his defending really that bad?

Henry: Is he a naturally great defender? Absolutely not.

He can sometimes switch off and doesn’t have the same defensive reading of the game as Andy Robertson, but he is still absolutely fine in that area.

You can’t play in a Liverpool team that has won so much recently and not be good in all facets of your game – look at his performance up against Leroy Sane in the Champions League back in 2018, he was magnificent defensively.

There is a witch-hunt with Trent now but it is becoming increasingly hyperbolic.

Tom: With our system over the years, the midfield has always protected the full-backs as they push upfield but, this season, our midfield hasn’t been great so I think that’s had a knock-on effect on Trent also.

Adam: I suppose it’s a self-fulfilling prophecy because it felt like lazy criticism last year, whereas this season you’d have to admit it is accurate.

Could we see a move into midfield?

Adam: He’ll be 25 years old in October and has been a permanent fixture within the starting XI since 2017/18.

For the majority of that time, he’s been one of the best right-backs in the world in a system that has allowed him to showcase his capabilities.

If the switch were to eventually happen, I could envisage it being to a holding midfielder in the same move that the likes of Joshua Kimmich and Phillip Lahm made.

He’d still have space to dictate play and you could still feel the benefit of his passing range from back there.

Tom: I still expect to see him playing right-back, yes.

We have been very successful with Trent in that position, but I wouldn’t be opposed to see how he would fare in a midfield role at some stage.

Henry: I think I’m in the minority, but I would certainly at least consider giving him a go in a right-sided No. 8 role in midfield.

He played in midfield during his youth-team days so it’s not like he doesn’t know the position, and the quality he possesses means he could shine in a similar manner to Kevin De Bruyne.

Do you agree he needs competition at right-back?

Henry: Absolutely.

The hope is that Calvin Ramsay is that man – he has looked great the few times we’ve seen him this season – but his injury problems are a concern and he is still a very young player who is learning.

I would consider bringing in another right-back to alleviate that issue – perhaps a fairly experienced head who is willing to be a squad player but can do a good job when required.

Basically, a right-back version of Kostas Tsimikas!

Tom: Just as Robbo and Tsimikas battle it out on the left I’d love to see adequate competition for Trent.

Adam: I think we were all hoping that would be Ramsay!

Obviously, it hasn’t quite worked out for him this season, and even prior to the injury he was rarely making matchday squads.

So, if Klopp doesn’t see a way in which this changes next season, then we absolutely need to be in the market for another one.

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Thursday’s Liverpool news round up includes mixed reports in the hunt for a new sporting director and links to yet another young midfielder.

Monaco sporting director “ruled out” of Liverpool move

Liverpool looked to have stepped up their search for a new sporting director by identifying recruitment expert Paul Mitchell as a major target, but subsequent reports have suggested he is now out of the running.

The Independent‘s chief football writer Miguel Delaney has reported that while Liverpool had considered Mitchell for the position, he is no longer a contender.

Mitchell, who will be leaving his post at Monaco this summer, was linked with a move to Liverpool and it had been rumoured that talks were expected to commence in the coming weeks.

The latest reports are that Man United could look to appoint the 41-year-old, with the Sir Jim Ratcliffe-led consortium INEOS said to be planning an approach for Mitchell should their takeover bid be successful.

It is a difficult story to keep up with, who knows what will happen next?

Midfielder linked to Liverpool & Gerrard returns to legends squad

• Liverpool are prepared to pay the €40 million release clause for Celta Vigo midfielder Gabri Veiga according to El Nacional, with the 20-year-old also said to be a target for Real Madrid

International watch

• Cody Gakpo has withdrawn from the Netherlands squad with an illness, but is likely to be available for Liverpool’s return against Man City

• Caoimhin Kelleher had mixed fortunes in Republic of Ireland’s 3-2 win at home to Latvia, with a couple of errors leading to an initial fightback from the visitors

• Harvey Davies, Jarell Quansah and Dominic Corness each played a role in keeping a clean sheet for England under-20s in their 2-0 win over Germany

What else has been happening?

• Harry Kane could become England’s all-time leading goalscorer if he gets on the scoresheet in this evening’s clash with Italy (The Independent)

• Roberto Mancini has insisted that his time at Man City was “all above board” following allegations of financial breaches at the club (Goal)

• Barcelona’s troubles continue as UEFA are set to investigate payments made to former vice-president of Spain’s referees’ committee (BBC)

Tweet of the day and match of the night

Check out our latest teaser on Liverpool’s top assist-makers under Jurgen Klopp and see if you can name the missing two:

??? Fill in the ??????! pic.twitter.com/l1NL6cYHZC

— This Is Anfield (@thisisanfield) March 23, 2023

England travel to Naples to face Italy in a European Championship qualifier this evening. Kickoff is at 7.45pm (GMT) but you can catch the full coverage from 7pm on Channel 4.

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Ibrahima Konate has laughed off comparisons between Virgil van Dijk and old centre-back partner Dayot Upamecano, as he is “on a different planet.”

It has been a difficult season for Van Dijk, as it has for most Liverpool players, but Konate is of the belief that he is still the best in the world.

That is why, when asked in an interview with Eurosport this week how the Dutchman compares with his France team-mate Upamecano, the 23-year-old was so emphatic in his reply.

“What kind of question is that? You can’t compare the two,” he laughed.

“With Upamecano, we are in the same category even if he is a very high competitor.

“But Van Dijk, I put him on a different planet.

“We’re still a long way from achieving what he did. Although we will get there one day, I have no doubt.”

Konate added: “He has an aura on the pitch, you always feel it.

“It’s an exceptional chance to play with him. But I also have to look at my career and not look at him as a fan all the time.”

Liverpool were linked with both Konate and Upamecano when they were partners at RB Leipzig, but the latter opted to join Bayern Munich in 2021.

Upamecano has flattered to deceive at Bayern while Konate, when fit, has shown the quality required to become world class at Liverpool – likely as a long-term successor to Van Dijk.

Konate came in for similar praise from former centre-back Martin Skrtel, in an interview with The Athletic‘s James Pearce, as he recalled his time alongside Upamecano at Leipzig.

“Everyone was talking about this guy Upamecano,” Skrtel said of his clash with Leipzig while at Istanbul Basaksehir.

“I told my friend, ‘the other centre-back Leipzig have got is even better’.

“I was so happy when Liverpool signed him. Konate is such a good player. He’s strong physically and he seems strong mentally too, and he’s good with the ball.

“He’s still young and will be very important for the club’s future.”

Konate’s future, he insisted to Eurosport, is very much at Anfield, as he said: “When you play for Liverpool, the question honestly is, ‘where can I go next?’.

“And to last at this club, you have to perform. My goal is to be part of the team in the short and long term, and of course to win all the titles.”

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Though he retired as a professional in May, former Liverpool defender Martin Skrtel is now back playing in his native Slovakia, in a new position.

Skrtel was forced to retire last summer when, after 21 years as a senior professional, back injuries saw him unable to feel his legs when playing.

That ended a decorated career that included spells with Zenit St Petersburg, Fenerbahce, Istanbul Basaksehir and, for eight-and-a-half seasons, Liverpool.

He will represent the Reds again on Saturday in a legends clash with Celtic, before flying straight back to Slovakia where he is set to play for hometown club FK Hajskala Raztocno on Sunday.

As he explained to The Athletic‘s James Pearce, the 38-year-old Skrtel promised his friends he would rejoin them on the pitch when he had retired – and now he plays as a No. 10, rather than at centre-back.

“I do it for them,” he admitted.

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“When I first said I was going to play, everyone was thinking it would just be for one game. We had more than 3,000 people there. Now, it’s usually about 500 to 600.

“I can’t train, because of my back. I just go along each Sunday and play the game.

“For two or three days after, I can’t do any kind of outdoor activity because I’m so fucked.

“I’ve got nine or 10 goals this season. We’re second in the table, but I can’t say we want promotion. We’ve got quite an old team.

“Our goalkeeper, I think, is 56, and we have a few other players in their mid-40s. The most important thing is to have fun. We don’t push it.”

The move to an attacking midfield role may surprise Liverpool fans given his reputation as a no-nonsense defender, but it likely allows him to avoid the more robust elements of the game and showcase his technical ability.

Raztocno is a village in central Slovakia with a population of just over 1,000 people, including Skrtel’s parents and many of his childhood friends.

“It’s a different kind of experience for me,” he told Pearce.

“I want to enjoy still being able to play a bit for as long as possible.

“It’s not easy to just say, ‘right, I’m finished. I won’t kick a ball anymore’. As long as I enjoy it, I’ll keep going.”

Skrtel also revealed he is working towards his UEFA A License with plans to become a manager, and it is not out of the realms of possibility that a new career begins in Slovakia.

Whether that would be as player-manager, though, remains to be seen!

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Whether he ends up at Liverpool or not, sporting director Paul Mitchell has confirmed his exit from Monaco with a view to returning “home” to England.

Liverpool have been aware of their need to replace Julian Ward since November, when the transfer chief tendered his resignation less than five months into the role.

Ward had officially taken over from Michael Ward last summer, playing a key part in negotiations over deals for Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez among others.

But so far, there has been no clear movement when it comes to his successor, only muted reports both in England and abroad.

Earlier this week, Get French Football News claimed that talks had been held with Monaco sporting director Mitchell, who previously worked at MK Dons, Southampton, Tottenham and RB Leipzig.

Now, in an interview with Nice-Matin, the Englishman has confirmed his plan to leave Monaco this summer, hinting that he will return “home” to the north west.

“It was a very difficult decision. I loved my experience at this club,” he said.

Mitchell added: “But I have spent a lot of time away from home and my loved ones in recent years.

“I feel that the mission I had, which was to rebuild the sports project, has been fulfilled.”

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Whether Mitchell intends to resume work closer to home, or take time off as has been the case with Edwards, remains to be seen.

There is even a chance that his contract with Monaco, which was due to expire in 2024, prohibits him from taking up a new job this summer – though he has certainly been considered by Liverpool.

Earlier this year, the Telegraph‘s Sam Wallace claimed that the club had already “decided against” appointing Mitchell.

That makes the timeline of these reports confusing, with it uncertain whether Get French Football News brought news of further talks between Mitchell and Liverpool, or simply those initial discussions.

It is clearly not guaranteed that the 41-year-old would make the move to Anfield – it would need to be the right fit for all parties – but it would make sense in many ways.

Mitchell is a distinguished sporting director who includes the likes of Sadio Mane, Heung-min Son and Christopher Nkunku as his successes in the transfer market.

Liverpool have a void to fill in their boardroom at a crucial time in the evolution of their squad, and a candidate like Mitchell would seemingly fit the bill.

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Cody Gakpo has become the latest Liverpool player to withdraw from international duty, though concerns over a possible injury are allayed.

The Reds have already seen Darwin Nunez (ankle) and Ben Doak (head) pull out of games for their national teams in an otherwise busy month.

Gakpo has now joined them, though unlike his fellow forwards the 23-year-old is not absent due to an injury, with the Netherlands instead seeing a virus wipe out a fifth of their squad.

The Dutch FA confirmed the news on Thursday, with Gakpo leaving their camp along with Sven Botman, Matthijs de Ligt, Joey Veerman and Bart Verbruggen.

They are not due to return for the Euro 2024 qualifiers against France (March 24) and Gibraltar (March 27), with Ronald Koeman instead calling up three replacements.

Those are Stefan de Vrij, Kjell Scherpen and Ryan Gravenberch, the latter of whom is on Liverpool’s radar ahead of the summer transfer window.

Virgil van Dijk remains with the Netherlands and should captain Koeman’s side in both fixtures, with the dismissal of Gakpo and Co. clearly a preventative measure to avoid any further spread.

Gakpo is now likely to return to Merseyside early, and the hope will be that he can recover and be available for the trip to Man City on April 1.

Liverpool play Man City, Chelsea and Arsenal in the space of nine days at the start of next month, and Jurgen Klopp will need the likes of Nunez and Gakpo available.

Luis Diaz is due to report for full training next week and could, therefore, take a place on the bench at the Etihad, but he would not be considered to start.

Mohamed Salah and Diogo Jota are both on international duty this month, but Roberto Firmino was omitted from the Brazil squad along with Alisson and Fabinho.

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