As Liverpool gears up for the 2024-25 campaign, all eyes are on Trent Alexander-Arnold, the club’s versatile star who has redefined the role of a full-back. Since his debut in 2016, Alexander-Arnold has made an astounding 310 appearances for Liverpool, evolving both as a player and a critical asset to the team.
A Remarkable Journey
At 25, Alexander-Arnold has already established himself as one of football’s premier playmakers from the back. His transformation from a center-half and full-back in his younger years, first noticed in Michael Beale's Under-15s age group, to the attacking right-back we see today, showcases his adaptability and skill set. 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. He was right in the middle of the pitch and involved in everything."
Outstanding Statistics
The numbers behind Alexander-Arnold's performances are nothing short of impressive. Last season, he ranked in the 99th percentile for shot-creating actions per 90 minutes in the Premier League and Europa League, with an average of 5.25. His expected assisted goals per 90 (0.37) and passes attempted (87.71) also positioned him in the 99th percentile. Additionally, he was in the 98th percentile for progressive passes (8.69) and ranked eighth among outfielders in the Premier League for total successful long passes (147).
Alexander-Arnold's creativity isn't new. During the 2018-19 season, he registered the third-highest tally of assists in the Premier League with 12, followed by 13 assists the next season, second only to Kevin de Bruyne. He repeated a similar feat in the 2021-22 campaign, where his tally of 12 assists was bested only by Mohamed Salah.
A New Role with England
Interestingly, Alexander-Arnold's versatility has also been a boon for England. He has played in midfield in six of his last seven starts for the national team. Jason McAteer, a former Liverpool and Republic of Ireland player, offers insights into the modern full-back’s hybrid role: "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." However, McAteer also acknowledges the challenges, adding, "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."
Klopp's Tactical Use
Jürgen Klopp's tactical genius has further unlocked Alexander-Arnold's potential. Tim Jenkins comments on Klopp's approach: "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." This freedom has allowed Alexander-Arnold to excel, whether delivering assists from wide positions or moving inside into the half-space to impact the game more centrally. Jenkins adds, "More recently, he's been able to move inside into the half-space and deliver from there. Trent has had an ideal skill set to adapt to how the game has changed."
Future Prospects
Despite his current form, Alexander-Arnold's future remains a topic of intense speculation. His contract is set to expire in the summer, and he has been linked with a move to Real Madrid. As Liverpool prepares for another challenging campaign, the absence of Trent Alexander-Arnold on their tour of America has raised eyebrows. However, fans were relieved to see him start the final pre-season friendly against Sevilla at right-back, offering a glimpse of what could be another stellar season.
From his early days under the tutelage of coaches like Neil Critchley and Michael Beale to his current status as one of the game's elite, Trent Alexander-Arnold's journey is a testament to his abilities and adaptability. As he gears up for another season with Liverpool, one thing is clear: wherever he plays, be it as a right-back or a midfielder, he will continue to be an integral part of his team's success.