Trent Alexander-Arnold: Liverpool's Versatile Maestro
Since his debut for Liverpool in 2016, Trent Alexander-Arnold has gone from strength to strength, making 310 appearances for the club at just 25 years old. As he prepares for the 2024-25 campaign, Alexander-Arnold continues to be a linchpin for the Merseyside team, demonstrating remarkable versatility and skill in multiple positions.
Historically, Alexander-Arnold has been known for his right-back role, a position where he has excelled, contributing significantly to Liverpool’s offensive play. In the 2018-19 season, he registered the third-highest tally of assists in the Premier League with 12 assists, a number that increased to 13 in the following season, second only to Kevin de Bruyne. His proficiency in this position is also evident from the 2021-22 campaign, where he tied for second place with Mohamed Salah, once again achieving 12 assists.
However, Alexander-Arnold is far from a one-dimensional player. His recent performances for England showcase his versatility, having played in midfield in six of his last seven starts for the national team. This role isn’t entirely new to him. As Tim Jenkins, a former analyst and assistant coach for Liverpool Under-21s, recalls, "He'd played in midfield in Pep Lijnders' Under-16s, at the base of the diamond." Jenkins further elaborates, "He was right in the middle of the pitch and involved in everything."
Alexander-Arnold’s journey through the youth ranks illustrates his evolving versatility. Before settling into the right-back role, he played as a centre-half and a full-back under Michael Beale in the Under-15s age group. This adaptability has been fostered and refined through various stages of his career. When Neil Critchley took charge of the Under-18s, Alexander-Arnold began leveraging his physical attributes more effectively, transitioning between playing as a right winger and a right full-back.
One of the most memorable periods of his development was during his time with Liverpool’s Under-21s. Jenkins vividly recalls, "We played one game against Leicester at home and Jurgen [Klopp] came to watch. We were 4-0 up before half-time and he'd created everything from the right. He looked like he'd gone up three or four levels." This development propelled him into the senior team, where he has since cemented his status as a key player.
Last season, Alexander-Arnold's statistics spoke volumes about his contribution. His average of 5.25 shot-creating actions per 90 minutes in the Premier League and Europa League ranked in the 99th percentile among full-backs in Europe's top five divisions. Additionally, he ranked in the 99th percentile for expected assisted goals per 90 (0.37) and passes attempted (87.71), and in the 98th percentile for progressive passes (8.69). These metrics highlight his exceptional influence on the game.
Jason McAteer, a former Liverpool player, underscores the evolving role of full-backs in modern football. "Today's full-back is a lot more like a wing-back. You've got to get forward. You've got to get balls into the box. And you have this hybrid role where you come into midfield." McAteer adds, "Trent has got that many attributes that you've got to get him into the team. You look at Trent now and he's grown up, he's evolved."
Despite his attacking prowess, Alexander-Arnold has faced criticism over his defensive capabilities. McAteer believes, "Trent's weakest attribute is his defending and he was playing as a deep-lying midfielder. He was great on the ball, but without it he was exposed and he became a bit of a scapegoat." However, this shouldn’t overshadow his tremendous skill and creativity on the ball, qualities that have made him indispensable for both club and country.
Looking ahead, there is speculation about Alexander-Arnold's future, with his contract expiring in the summer and links to Real Madrid surfacing. However, his immediate focus remains on Liverpool's upcoming season. Recently, he started the final pre-season friendly against Sevilla at right-back, underscoring his continued importance to the team.
As Liverpool adapts to different tactical setups, managers like Klopp have utilized Alexander-Arnold’s hybrid skills to maximum effect. Jenkins encapsulates this perfectly: "Klopp would say that sometimes Trent will be on the outside, sometimes he'll be on the inside – wherever he is, he’s just going to be Trent."
In conclusion, Trent Alexander-Arnold's journey reflects the story of a player who has continuously evolved, adapting to new roles and challenges with aplomb. Whether as a right-back, midfielder, or any other position, his impact on the pitch remains unparalleled, making him one of the most exciting and versatile players in the game today.