The Reds flattered to deceive at Wembley, falling to a disappointing 2-1 defeat against Newcastle United.
Several Liverpool players disappointed in the final, with Arne Slot’s side looking jaded throughout the ninety minutes.
Trent Alexander-Arnold aside, Liverpool were nearly at full strength on the day, making their poor performance even more baffling.
When reflecting on the match, however, Alexander-Arnold’s absence seems to have been more costly than first expected.
Jarell Quansah stepped in at right-back but his lack of impact has only further cemented Alexander-Arnold’s importance to Liverpool – something which has been highlighted by Reds supporters.
Liverpool fans say Trent Alexander-Arnold must be handed new deal
Quansah did what he could defensively up against the Newcastle attack, but it was his deficiencies going forward that highlighted Alexander-Arnold’s absence.
The Reds clearly missed the 26-year-old’s brilliance in attack, possibly showcasing what Liverpool’s future could be like if Alexander-Arnold was to leave Anfield this summer.
Liverpool fans have since taken to social media to highlight this issue, claiming the right-back needs to be handed a new deal, otherwise it could cost the Reds going forward.
One fan said via X (formerly Twitter): “People laugh when I say Trent Alexander-Arnold is the best player in the league but pree what happens when he’s not around. Can’t build/create at anywhere near the same rate.”
A third fan said: “Make Trent Alexander Arnold’s contract a priority btw, whatever Madrid are offering, triple it.”
“After this game give Trent Alexander Arnold WHATEVER he wants,” added another supporter.
Mohamed Salah could be affected by possible Alexander-Arnold exit
If there was one way to showcase Alexander-Arnold’s importance to the Liverpool team, it would be Mohamed Salah’s stats from the Carabao Cup final.
The Egyptian was virtually absent throughout the ninety minutes, with Tino Livramento and Dan Burn managing to keep the Reds attacker quiet.
| Mohamed Salah stats vs Newcastle | |
| Minutes played | 90 |
| Match rating | 6.4 |
| Shots | 0 |
| Chances created | 0 |
| Accurate passes | 13/17 (76%) |
| Passes into final third | 1 |
Salah was miles off the pace against Newcastle but his poor performance can partly be blamed by Alexander-Arnold’s absence on the right-hand flank.
When the right-back is on the field, he either inverts or underlaps to take markers away from Salah – Quansah, however, could not replicate this at Wembley.
With Salah and Alexander-Arnold both on the pitch, that gives the opposition two world-class players to deal with, rather than them being able to double up like Newcastle did in the final.
If Alexander-Arnold is to depart Melwood this summer, expect Salah’s numbers to take a hit next season if Liverpool don’t find a viable replacement.
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