Liverpool v Real Madrid: Will Trent Alexander-Arnold show what Reds are missing on return?
Warnock said: “We’ve got a great player in Conor Bradley but he needs to stay fit and play some games to build a relationship with Salah. “These things can take time, even with the best players.
“Trent’s departure also affected Salah. Although their partnership did not go unnoticed, it was almost read. Yes, they were world-class individuals, but they were also a partnership.
“They really complemented each other. Trent could come in and pull people towards him, which gave Salah more space. Also, when Salah drove towards people, he could feed Trent as the teams backed away.”
Alexander-Arnold’s comfort with his fellow defenders and ability to move into midfield means his presence is sorely missed elsewhere.
Warnock said: “I think Ibrahima Konate probably misses him too. He knew he could get the ball to Trent under pressure. “I think that made an impact on the right side of the pitch, both defensively and offensively.
“Liverpool also created a box system in the middle of midfield and they did this very well with Trent on the sidelines.
“A lot of credit was given to Alexis Mac Allister, Ryan Gravenberch and Dominik Szoboszlai, but Trent was also a big part of that. Losing that extra body in midfield while he was there was also overlooked because opponents were drawn to him in fear of what he could create.”
Jeremie Frimpong, who signed a £29 million deal from Bayer Leverkusen to compete with Bradley for the place vacated by Alexander-Arnold, had his Anfield debut curtailed by a hamstring injury.
Warnock said: “Frimpong’s biggest problem isn’t just injuries, but what is his best position? He spent a lot of time as right-back at Bayer Leverkusen.”
