Trent Alexander-Arnold: Liverpool's Versatile Maestro
Trent Alexander-Arnold, at just 25, has already etched his name into Liverpool's rich tapestry. Since his debut in 2016, the right-back turned midfield sensation has made 310 appearances, showcasing a versatility that has become his hallmark. As he gears up for Liverpool's 2024-25 campaign, Alexander-Arnold's evolution continues to captivate fans and pundits alike.
Born and bred in Liverpool, Alexander-Arnold's journey from a local lad to an international star is a testament to his remarkable adaptability on the pitch. 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." This midfield experience is proving invaluable as Alexander-Arnold transitions to a more central role for England, having played in midfield in six of his last seven starts for the national team.
Alexander-Arnold's ability to slot seamlessly into various positions is a reflection of his early years. "Before the Under-16s, he'd played as a centre-half and a full-back for Michael Beale in the Under-15s age group," Jenkins adds. This foundation allowed him to develop a comprehensive understanding of different facets of the game, making him a tactical asset for any manager.
During his formative years, Alexander-Arnold's potential was undeniable. "I remember he had a real purple patch after he'd done pre-season with the first team, then came back to play with the Under-21s," Jenkins reminisces. "We were 4-0 up before half-time against Leicester, and he'd created everything from the right. He looked like he'd gone up three or four levels." Such performances earned him his first Premier League start in January 2017, in a 1-1 draw with Manchester United.
Alexander-Arnold's attacking prowess is well-documented. In 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. This trend continued in the 2021-22 campaign, where his 12 assists were bettered only by Mohamed Salah. His creative flair was on full display last season, with an average of 5.25 shot-creating actions per 90 minutes, placing him in the 99th percentile among full-backs in Europe's top five divisions.
However, Alexander-Arnold's versatility isn't just about his attacking contributions. Last season, he ranked in the 99th percentile for expected assisted goals per 90 (0.37) and passes attempted (87.71), while also being in the 98th percentile for progressive passes (8.69). His defensive attributes are also noteworthy; he ranked eighth among outfielders in the Premier League for total successful long passes (147) and third for switches of play (32).
Despite his impressive stats, critics have questioned his defensive capabilities. Jason McAteer, a former Liverpool and Republic of Ireland player, notes, "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 became a bit of a scapegoat." McAteer believes Alexander-Arnold's hybrid role suits him best, where he can transition between full-back and midfield roles, maximizing his strengths while minimizing vulnerabilities.
As the 2024-25 season looms, Alexander-Arnold finds himself at a career crossroad. His current contract with Liverpool expires in the summer, amid speculation linking him to Real Madrid. Regardless of where his future lies, his evolution remains a fascinating aspect of modern football. "Today's full-back is a lot more like a wing-back," McAteer explains. "You've got to get forward, get balls into the box, and you have this hybrid role where you come into midfield." Jenkins echoes this sentiment, stating, "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."
As Alexander-Arnold continues to evolve, his unique skill set and tactical intelligence will undoubtedly make him a pivotal player, not just for Liverpool, but for any team he represents. His journey serves as an inspiration for young players, proving that versatility and adaptability are key in modern football. With his contract nearing its end, the world will be watching to see what the next chapter holds for this remarkable player.