Steve Nicol tells Liverpool whether they should sell Trent Alexander-Arnold this summer

Add as preferred source on Google

Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold continues to be linked with a move to La Liga giants Real Madrid.

Real Madrid have an interest in Alexander-Arnold, but the defensive star has thus far remained at Liverpool.

Alexander-Arnold has started the new season strongly, starting in the wins against Ipswich and Brentford at Portman Road and Anfield respectively.

But the 25-year-old has been taken off early in both matches, with Alexander-Arnold upset with Arne Slot after his substitution against Brentford.

He helped the Reds keep clean sheets against Ipswich and the Bees, as well as catching the eye with a superb pass for Mohamed Salah in Diogo Jota’s opener at Portman Road.

Steve Nicol tells Liverpool what to do with Trent Alexander-Arnold

But his reaction to being withdrawn after 72 minutes at Anfield could fuel the exit-talk regarding the England international.

Former Liverpool defender Steve Nicol has now weighed in on the debate surrounding a potential exit, saying on ESPN: “Did you see the ball he played for Mo Salah? Have you seen the balls that this guy has played consistently going forward?

READ MORE: Everything to know on Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold from his girlfriend to net worth

“I told you, going forward, he’s arguably as good as anybody with a ball at his feet going forward. But he can’t defend, so you have to make a decision.

“Are you going to put up with it? And I am going to put up with it, which, by the way, Jurgen Klopp did.”

What are Trent Alexander-Arnold’s figures at Liverpool?

Alexander-Arnold’s defensive qualities have often come under fire, but there is no doubting his attacking abilities.

The Liverpool academy graduate boasts 19 goals and 81 assists from his 312 Reds appearances, while he also has three goals from 29 England caps.

READ MORE: Liverpool’s most expensive/record transfer sales

He is already 28th in the Premier League all-time assists list with 58, just one behind teammate and fellow full-back Andy Robertson.

Losing him would be a massive blow to Slot, who cannot afford to let any of his key players leave in his first transfer window at Anfield.

Worryingly, however, Alexander-Arnold’s contract will expire next summer, meaning he could leave on a free transfer at the end of the season.

But at the same time, Liverpool look well prepared for the future, with young star Conor Bradley more than ready to step up at right-back.

The Northern Ireland international has come on for Alexander-Arnold in both of Slot’s league matches so far, in what is a potential sign of things to come on Merseyside.