Despite Trent Alexander-Arnold’s heroic match-winning cameo against Leicester City, former Liverpool legend and Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher has called on new manager Arne Slot to make a bold and ruthless decision by dropping the right-back for the remainder of the campaign.

Speaking in the aftermath of Liverpool’s narrow but crucial 1-0 victory at Anfield, Carragher acknowledged Alexander-Arnold’s technical brilliance, leadership qualities, and the pivotal role he has played in redefining the modern full-back position. However, he stressed that sentimentality must take a backseat to long-term planning as the club prepares for a new era.

With persistent rumours linking Alexander-Arnold to a high-profile summer move to Real Madrid, Carragher argued that if the England international hasn’t firmly committed to Liverpool’s future under Slot, the club should focus on grooming his potential successor now rather than waiting until it’s too late.

“If Trent hasn’t committed to the manager for next season, he shouldn’t be starting games,” Carragher stated bluntly on Sky Sports. “This isn’t about giving him a sentimental send-off. It’s about building the team that’s going to compete after he’s gone.”

Carragher specifically highlighted 20-year-old right-back Conor Bradley as the ideal candidate to step into the role, urging Slot to give the young Northern Irishman maximum exposure in Liverpool’s remaining fixtures to assess whether he can handle the demands of being a regular starter next season.

“Bradley has shown promise, but he needs big-game experience now. Let’s find out if he’s our long-term answer, or if Liverpool need to enter the transfer market for a new right-back this summer,” Carragher emphasized.

While Alexander-Arnold’s sublime late free-kick secured a vital 1-0 win against Leicester, keeping Liverpool’s Premier League title ambitions firmly on course, Carragher maintained that immediate results should not distract from the bigger picture.

Liverpool’s latest victory leaves them 13 points clear at the top of the table with five games remaining. One more win would guarantee them the title mathematically, though it could be sealed even earlier if Arsenal stumble in their midweek clash.

As the pressure mounts on Arne Slot to maintain momentum while laying the foundation for Liverpool’s next chapter, Carragher’s comments have ignited fresh debate among fans and pundits about loyalty, ambition, and the delicate balance between club legends and the future of the team.