Liverpool news: Could Anton Gaaei replace Trent Alexander-Arnold?

Nicknamed the ‘Danish Beckham’ of Ajax, Anton Gaaei has progressed quickly to become the first-choice right-back this season under Francesco Farioli.

The 21-year-old, who joined Ajax after three seasons in the Danish Superliga with Viborg, has two goals and four assists in 23 Eredivisie appearances this term.

What immediately stands out about Gaaei is both the quality and variety of his crossing.

He is able to generate a lot of power with his right boot to cross the ball from deeper areas or hit the byline and cut back into the box too. His trademark is a low cross hit diagonally to go past defenders to connect with on-rushing team-mates.

He did exactly that in the most recent ‘De Klassieker’ between Ajax and Feyenoord to set up the winner late in added time.

Besides his crossing ability, Gaaei continues to improve on the defensive side of his game, which is helped by his excellent burst of pace in tracking back as well as making useful off-the-ball runs beyond his winger.

Entrusted with taking set-pieces as well, the young Dane benefits from Ajax’s dominant style of play, which sees him generate about five crosses per match.

Still only in his second season in Dutch football, recruiting Gaaei would very much be a project signing for Liverpool but one that could well pay off in the long run.

Read more from Barbadikar on how Liverpool could replace Alexander-Arnold