Trent Alexander-Arnold decision felt as Ryan Gravenberch faces Liverpool reality

Liverpool is still adapting from the departure of its long-term right-back last summer, with Arne Slot forced to tweak the Reds' defensive structure and build-up play

Ryan Gravenberch has spoken about Liverpool's changes since the departure of Trent Alexander-Arnold(Image: Getty Images)

Ryan Gravenberch has revealed how Trent Alexander-Arnold’s summer departure has impacted Liverpool’s style and his position on the pitch.

The former Reds right-back operated in a unique role at Liverpool, where his creativity was valued higher than his defensive output. It meant both Arne Slot and Jurgen Klopp made allowances for Alexander-Arnold to get on the ball more, which resulted in a few tactical tweaks to ensure the Reds were not exposed on the right flank.

It also meant the now Real Madrid star did not tend to provide many overlapping runs, particularly last season under Slot. That has been different this campaign, with Liverpool looking to utilize the physicality of Conor Bradley and Jeremie Frimpong.

Speaking in a recent interview, Gravenberch outlined how that has changed his role within the team, following Alexander-Arnold’s decision to leave last summer.

“Different kind of players where, for example, last season Trent was most of the time low and now Jeremie is higher,” the Dutch international told TNT Sports.

“With Milos [Kerkez] and Robbo [Andy Robertson], they both like to go [on the left]. Maybe last season, for myself, was a bit more, because Trent was there, I could maybe go between the lines higher.

“Now with Jeremie out wide, I have to stay back more. Maybe that is the most that has changed.”

Gravenberch feels Liverpool has had to change its style without Alexander-Arnold(Image: Getty Images)

Neither Frimpong nor Bradley will be available to start in Liverpool’s next game against Manchester City, with the pair both injured. Dominik Szoboszlai is likely to operate in that role.

Meanwhile, Liverpool’s evolution from Alexander-Arnold is not limited to defending, with the Reds forced to find more creativity elsewhere in the team. Slot admitted before the season that was primarily why the Reds chose to sign Florian Wirtz.

“Florian has a lot of creativity in the final third. We’ve lost, with Trent, a lot of creativity from the back,” Slot said in August.

“So, Trent’s crosses and picking out runners was so special; I think Flo has this quality as well – in a totally different position, but he brings that creativity.”

As for Alexander-Arnold’s post-Liverpool career, the 27-year-old has endured a difficult start to life in Madrid due to injury, poor form, and dropping out of the team.

He is closing in on a return from a muscular injury that has kept him out for over two months, and he will play under a new head coach when fit again.

Since his last appearance, Xabi Alonso has been replaced by Alvaro Arbeloa, and reports in Spain have claimed the ex-Liverpool right-back is not a fan of Alexander-Arnold.