Liverpool vs Real Madrid: Will Trent Alexander-Arnold show what the Reds are missing in the comeback?

Warnock said: “There is a great player in Connor Bradley, but he needs to maintain his fitness and play a series of matches to build a relationship with Salah. These things can take time, even with the best players.”

“Trent’s departure has had an impact on Salah. Their partnership, if not unnoticed, was almost a reading. Yes, they are world-class individuals, but it was also a partnership.”

“They really complemented each other. Trent could get inside and draw people towards him, which opened up more space for Salah. When Salah drove towards people he had the ability to feed Trent because teams were falling back.”

Alexander-Arnold’s comfort on the ball with fellow defenders, combined with his ability to move into midfield, means his presence is also missing elsewhere.

“I think Ibrahima Konate might miss him too,” Warnock said. “He knew he could give the ball to Trent under pressure. I think that has an impact on the right side of the pitch, both in defense and in attack.”

“Liverpool also created a square system in the middle of midfield, which they did well, when Trent was on the side.

“There’s been a lot of praise for Alexis Mac Allister, Ryan Gravenberch and Dominik Szoboszlai, but Trent was a big part of that as well. Losing that extra body in the midfield area, when he was there, is also missing because opponents gravitated to him, fearing what he could create.”

Jeremy Frimpong, signed in a £29m deal from Bayer Leverkusen to compete with Bradley for the place vacated by Alexander-Arnold, has had his start at Anfield curtailed by hamstring injuries.

Warnock said: “The biggest problem with Frimpong is not only injuries, but what is the best position for him? At Bayer Leverkusen he spent a lot of time as a right-back.”