Richard Keys tells Arne Slot he must sell 'bang ordinary' Liverpool star NOW

Richard Keys has claimed Liverpool should cash in on Trent Alexander-Arnold - who he's described as a "bang ordinary defender".

The right-back's contract is winding down and Real Madrid are circling. Already the Spanish giants have put in a bid this month but Liverpool were quick to reject it as they maintain hope of Alexander-Arnold remaining at Anfield.

The Reds could lose their academy star for nothing in a matter of months if they don't choose to cash in over the coming weeks. Keys believes they should accept the money and call time on the saga with his performance in Sunday's draw with Manchester United underlining his defensive frailties.

Throughout his career Alexander-Arnold, whilst earning huge plaudits for his exploits in the final third, has continued to be criticised for his lack of quality as part of a back four and the Bein Sports presenter insists Liverpool's season will not rest on him staying.

He wrote on his blog : "As for TAA. There’s not a lot more to say? His performance proved that Liverpool should take Madrid’s £20m and settle the on-off transfer saga surrounding him. Clearly he’s leaving - so bring the issue to a head.

"Never mind all the sentimental mis-guided nonsense being spouted by Liverpool pundits who should know better - get the deal done. Believe me - Liverpool’s season is not going to hinge on whether a bang ordinary ‘defender’ stays or goes. I’m not saying he isn’t a good player - I just think his skill set is better suited to Madrid. Defending is not his strength. And the debate is a distraction."

Liverpool, alongside the speculation surrounding Alexander-Arnold, are also having to deal with the noise to do with Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk.

Image: Alex Livesey - Danehouse) Alex Livesey - Danehouse)

Jamie Carragher admitted, with all the rumours swirling around, that Alexander-Arnold's below par showing on Sunday couldn't have come at a worse time. He said: "I thought he was really poor today, I don't think the game could've gone much worse for him. There was definitely going to be focus on him, I expected Trent to bring the performances we've seen so often. He almost dominates the game from right-back, as a playmaker.

"I was expecting a really big performance. He was poor defensively, which we've seen before, but there was nothing going forward, even on the ball. Only he knows if the talk affected him, but the fact that he was so poor in the first game after Real Madrid's bid, tells me it must've affected him."

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