Danny Murphy: Alphonso Davies ‘the obvious choice’ to strengthen left-back position at Liverpool

Former Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy has told BetBrain in an interview that while Andy Robertson is in the conversation for being the club’s best ever left-back, Arne Slot should still try to strengthen the position, naming Bayern Munich’s Alphonso Davies as the Scot’s natural successor.

“Considering what Andy Robertson has done for Liverpool and the level of performances he’s delivered over the years, he’s now in the conversation when people talk about the best left-backs Liverpool have ever had,” he said. “There’s been some incredible left-backs in some unbelievable Liverpool teams, so let’s praise him for what he’s done in his career – he’s a winner and phenomenal player.

Murphy also commented on the need for a balance between having both a keystone and depth at the position. While Robertson’s position and legend status are undeniable, adding a superstar like Davies would also ease the pressure on Tsimikas, who Murphy doesn’t see as a viable, permanent replacement. Since Davis is slated to become a free agent, he would have the no deposit bonus status by not costing anything, which would be a clear financial advantage.

“However, I don’t think Konstantinos Tsimikas is ever going to replace Robertson or play instead of him on a consistent basis, so I think Robertson and Liverpool would benefit from him having real competition at left-back and for Arne Slot to look long term at the position. There’d be plenty of competition, but Alphonso Davies is out of contract at Bayern Munich in the summer. If you’re looking for a left-back that ticks every box in terms of one-on-one defending, threat going forward, pace and physicality, he would be the obvious choice for Liverpool.” 

Given the packed schedule in today’s football, Murphy essentially points to the need to add even multiple stars to a certain position to ensure permanent quality. The former Red essentially points to the transition from the ‘next man up’ definition of depth to the idea of creating a roster with sustainable quality.

Van Dijk among the best ever  

Murphy was also asked about Liverpool centre-back Virgil van Dijk, and he suggested that there isn’t a complete defender in Premier League history other than the Dutchman.

“I think Virgil van Dijk is in the conversation for being the best Premier League centre-back of all time, that’s for sure,” he said. “People will always argue differently based on what medals you win, but in terms of all-round qualities, I really think he’s up there. He’s physically supreme, clever, good in both boxes, a brilliant passer of the ball – he doesn’t really have a weakness.

Having played for the team and recognising the pressure of playing for such a club, Murphy adulates the magnetic and profound leadership provided by van Dijk. He points to the centre-back’s ability to nurture a sense of calmness in the backfield which showcases the depth of his ability as a defender, but also as a leader.

“I think the biggest compliment is how he improves other people around him – when he’s there, everyone else seems to perform better and become calmer. You’re never going to get a uniform opinion or decision of who the best ever in the position is, but for me, he’s certainly the most complete centre-back I’ve ever seen in the league.”

Liverpool can’t rely on Bradley if Trent leaves

When speaking to our BetBrain team, Murphy also discussed Conor Bradley’s contribution this season and said while the Northern Irishman has performed admirably, Liverpool would need to sign a new right-back to replace Trent Alexander-Arnold if the Englishman leaves at the end of the season.

“I think having Conor Bradley has helped Liverpool massively,” he said. “Even though he’s a different player to Trent, he’s done remarkably well to come into the team and take to things so quickly. He just looks so comfortable and seems to embrace the pressure of playing for Liverpool. It’s been fantastic having someone else at right-back who’s clearly capable and someone that the fans have taken to.

Murphy sees the writing on the wall with the increased interest around Trent Alexander-Arnold and considers the situation far from settled by Bradley’s process. Once again, he references the current need for roster depth and the need for patience during Bradley’s development. While academy-grown players like Bradley are essentially free spins on house money when compared to outside transfers that have significant costs, Liverpool still needs to take a careful approach in his ascension.

“Having said that, if Trent is to leave to Real Madrid or elsewhere next summer, I still think Liverpool will need to go into the transfer market and find a replacement. It would be unfair on Bradley to burden him with being the number one choice at such a young age and it could affect his development. Liverpool will be playing 60 games a season at the highest level, so I still think they will need to go into the transfer market and find a suitable replacement who can hit the ground running.”