"It's bizarre..." - Carragher clashes with journalist over Liverpool defender Alexander-Arnold

Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher has responded to a journalist who questioned his comments on Trent Alexander-Arnold following the Reds' 1-0 defeat to Real Madrid.

Liverpool needed to overturn a three-goal deficit in the second leg of their Champions League last 16 tie at the Bernabeu, but were unable to do so.

Darwin Nunez had an early opportunity to put Jurgen Klopp's side in front, but most of the key chances in the first half fell to Real.

The Reds were unable to pose a major threat on the Real backline in the second half as they searched for a way back into the tie, and Karim Benzema netted a late goal to give the Spanish giants the win on the night.

Liverpool must now focus on the Premier League for the remainder of the campaign, with 12 games still to play.

Speaking after the game, Carragher analysed the performance of right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold, who had a difficult night against Real star Vinicius Junior.

On CBS Sports, Carragher spoke of his belief that Klopp needs to bring in a right-back this summer as competition for the England international, and added: "That lad needs serious competition. He's been playing now for five years at the top level, week in week out, with no rest.

"He's won everything. He's done absolutely fantastic, he's won more than I can ever dream of.

"I'm so proud of him, a local lad coming through the ranks, but he needs help. He needs to, at the end of the season, have a long think about where he is as a right-back."

After adding that Alexander-Arnold's defending is "not good enough", Carragher said: "If Liverpool are trying to qualify for the Champions League on a yearly basis, I'm not sure Trent's your man at right-back.

"If Liverpool get back to being one of the best teams in Europe, which is what they'll try to do next season, he is your man."

Carragher responds to journalist

In response to Carragher, Football Insider reporter David Lynch tweeted: "Clearly, Alexander-Arnold isn't having his best season (which Liverpool player is?) but we're talking about a player who has played in three Champions League finals and won every club honour available by the age of 24 here.

"Bizarre that he is such a lightning rod for criticism."

It’s bizarre you watch this clip & still don’t understand the analysis 😫

If Liverpool are attacking more he’s the best to have in that role, if they defend more he’s not. It depends on the quality of the team if his strength or weakness is shown up more. https://t.co/G4KFOBQkrK

— Jamie Carragher (@Carra23) March 16, 2023

In response, Carragher said: "It's bizarre you watch this clip and still don't understand the analysis.

"If Liverpool are attacking more he's the best to have in that role, if they defend more he's not. It depends on the quality of the team if his strength or weakness is shown up more."