Trent Alexander-Arnold verdict reached as stuttering Liverpool told how much he's missed

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And there's the one about whether Liverpool are missing Trent Alexander-Arnold.Of course they are missing him. He happens to be a very good footballer and, when he's back fit and available, will make a significant difference to Xabi Alonso's side.And as is so often the case, Liverpool haven't quite realised what they had with Alexander-Arnold until he has gone.

Oh yes indeedy.Theo SquiresWith Mohamed Salah not at his best as he adjusts to both new partners in attack and down the right-hand side, and with Liverpool also struggling to create in front of goal, .But while the Reds are missing his generational creativity, he would not suddenly be a magic wand for Arne Slot if still on the club's books either.Their defence is still not at its best, while Alexander-Arnold's own defensive qualities are something that were regularly questioned by outsiders throughout his time at Anfield.Funny how quickly that is conveniently forgotten when Liverpool are the ones in the firing line, rather than the former Red. But now with the Reds underperforming it is Alexander-Arnold's creative gifts they are apparently missing the most.There is certainly some truth in that claim however, with Liverpool trying to adapt into becoming a team with a different type of right-back in the side.

But that isn't possible, and while there has to remain a confidence that they will eventually find their way out of the slump they are currently in, they could certainly do with someone making that right-back spot their own very soon.Amie WilsonWhile Conor Bradley or Jeremie Frimpong have not really tied down their place as Alexander-Arnold’s replacement at the minute, I think it’s a case of a player being seen as performing better when they’re not there.It’s true that right-back is an area where the club have been short due to injury, with Dominik Szoboszlai having to fill in, and it’s not helped in the defensive problems so far this season, I’m not sure Alexander-Arnold would miraculously solve those problems.At times last season, Bradley was regarded as a better defensive option that Alexander-Arnold, although he probably doesn’t give as much going forward.Alexander-Arnold has had a mixed start to his time at Real Madrid, but with him not currently playing due to injury, it’s hard to tell the impact he could have on his new team.Aaron MorrisI think if you asked any Liverpool fan if they would take Alexander-Arnold back at present, their reply would be something along the lines of, 'In a heartbeat.' While Arne Slot worked well to replace him with the acquisition of Jeremie Frimpong, it's evident that his attacking-mindedness is proving issues on the right-hand side of defence.Conor Bradley, meanwhile, has already shown his potential despite receiving very little in terms of opportunity. Across the pitch, Liverpool are struggling and no amount of Alexander-Arnold's quality could rectify the current issues facing the champions.Isaac SeelochanI very much doubt that Trent Alexander-Arnold's departure is a big reason for Liverpool's recent struggles.