John Arne Riise defends Liverpool star after Jamie Carragher criticism

John Arne Riise has leaped to the defence of Liverpool left-back Alberto Moreno following his performance in Sunday’s League Cup final.

The Spain international was partly at fault for Fernandinho’s opener at Wembley after the Brazil international exploited the space down Moreno’s winger.

Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher urged manager Jurgen Klopp to replace Moreno in the summer transfer window, or alternatively, restore Jon Flanagan to the starting line-up.

“The left-back has to come out of the team, this is not a one-off today in terms of the goal,” Carragher told Sky Sports.

“Jon Flanagan has come back fit and has to go into the team in midweek, he has to change the left-back.

“Flanagan played left-back when they nearly won the league. He can’t be worse than him [Moreno].”

However, Carragher’s former team-mate Riise, who won the Champions League with the retired England centre-half in 2005, defended the 23-year-old full-back following his cup final performance.

Moreno getting loads of stick from yesterday's final. Will make him stronger I hope.

— John Arne Riise (@JARiiseOfficial) February 29, 2016

Moreno moved to Liverpool in a £12.5m deal from Sevilla in 2014.

The Spanish defender has scored two goals in 72 appearances in all competitions for the Merseyside outfit since his switch to Anfield.

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The Reds host City in the Premier League at Anfield on Wednesday night fresh from their League Cup final disappointment.