Surprise Name Backed as Liverpool’s Best Freekick Option Following Alexander-Arnold Exit | OneFootball

Liverpool Face New Freekick Era After Alexander-Arnold Exit

Liverpool’s summer has been shaped by departures as much as arrivals. Trent Alexander-Arnold’s £10 million switch to Real Madrid left more than an empty slot at right-back. It stripped Anfield of a set-piece specialist who had become as much a symbol of the club’s identity as its captain’s armband.

Arne Slot’s side now face the challenge of rediscovering that dead-ball magic. Florian Wirtz has arrived for a club-record fee to inject creativity, but the free-kick conundrum remains unsolved. Pre-season offered few clues, though Dominik Szoboszlai has hinted at promise, while Virgil van Dijk’s Celtic-era free-kick portfolio is not to be underestimated.

Yet according to Curtis Jones, neither will be leading the line over a stationary ball.

Elliott Earns Praise as Best Freekick Taker

In a conversation with Sports Direct, Jones revealed his picks for the ultimate footballer, drawing solely from past and present Liverpool teammates. Amid the expected plaudits for Mohamed Salah’s left foot and Cody Gakpo’s right, one choice stood out.

Jones said Harvey Elliott is now Liverpool’s best free-kick taker.

While Elliott has yet to score from a set-piece in a Reds shirt, Jones’ endorsement is significant. Since Philippe Coutinho’s departure in 2018, few at Anfield have consistently troubled goalkeepers from 20 yards.

Future of Elliott at Liverpool in Doubt

Ironically, Liverpool’s so-called best free-kick taker might soon be executing them elsewhere. Elliott’s Premier League minutes dwindled last season — just two starts in 16 appearances — as Slot kept faith with a settled XI en route to a historic 20th league title.

Now, the 22-year-old is in talks with RB Leipzig over a move that would promise regular football. Liverpool, keen to safeguard their future options, want a buy-back clause included.

For a boyhood Liverpool fan, the decision carries emotional weight. Elliott has long been viewed as “one of our own”, but even the most devoted supporters might understand if his next free-kick is taken under Bundesliga floodlights rather than the Kop’s shadow.