Trent Alexander-Arnold is a Liverpool problem with no obvious solution

Once again, the spotlight is shining on Trent Alexander-Arnold in the wake of a Liverpool defeat. No change there, you might say. The England full-back is, it seems, a player who divides opinion like few others in the modern game. Genius or liability? Pick a side and stick to it, until the bitter end.

Certainly, Alexander-Arnold looked more like the latter than the former as Liverpool exited the Champions League in spectacular, yet at the same time rather tame, fashion at the hands of Real Madrid on Wednesday.

The Reds’ 6-2 aggregate defeat brings with it a raft of tough questions, one of which surrounds Alexander-Arnold’s role in Jurgen Klopp’s side, and about the 24-year-old’s development as an all-round footballer.

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“Not good enough defensively,” was the verdict of Anfield legend Jamie Carragher, who was covering the game for CBS Sports in America. Alexander-Arnold’s weaknesses, Carragher continued, have become so glaring and so alarming that Liverpool, he feels, need to consider signing a right-back this summer, in order to provide competition and stimulus for their home-grown hero.

Whether that happens or not is another matter. Liverpool, we know, are targeting a midfield overhaul in the next transfer window, with most of their budget set aside for the likes of Jude Bellingham, Mason Mount and Matheus Nunes.

But whatever happens, one thing is clear. The debate surrounding Alexander-Arnold is likely to run and run…