Trent Alexander-Arnold, a name synonymous with versatility and brilliance, has amassed an impressive 310 appearances for Liverpool since his debut in 2016. Now 25 years old and gearing up for the 2024-25 campaign, Alexander-Arnold's journey is a testament to his exceptional talent and adaptability on the field.
A Versatile Career
Alexander-Arnold has predominantly featured as a right-back for Liverpool, a role where he has excelled to the delight of fans and pundits alike. However, his versatility extends beyond the defensive line. Recently, he has demonstrated his prowess in midfield, starting in that position for England in six of his last seven appearances. This shift showcases his adaptability and the breadth of his skillset.
Tim Jenkins, a former analyst and assistant coach for Liverpool Under-21s, recalls Alexander-Arnold's early days: "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 sentiment echoes the dynamic playstyle that Alexander-Arnold brings to the field, regardless of his position.
From Youth to Stardom
Before his ascension to Liverpool's first team, Alexander-Arnold's versatility was already evident. "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 recalls. His ability to adapt to different roles likely contributed to his meteoric rise. In January 2017, he made his first Premier League start in a 1-1 draw with Manchester United, marking the beginning of a stellar career.
Jason McAteer, a former Liverpool player, underscores how the game has evolved and how Alexander-Arnold fits into this new mold: "Today's full-back is a lot more like a wing-back. You've got to get forward, get balls into the box, and have this hybrid role where you come into midfield." This modern approach aligns perfectly with Alexander-Arnold's skill set, allowing him to influence the game from multiple positions.
Assists and Achievements
One of Alexander-Arnold's standout qualities is his ability to create goal-scoring opportunities. 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. His knack for setting up goals continued into the 2021-22 campaign, where his tally of 12 assists was bettered only by Mohamed Salah.
Last season, his contributions were nothing short of extraordinary. His average of 5.25 shot-creating actions per 90 minutes in the Premier League and Europa League ranked him in the 99th percentile among full-backs in Europe's top five divisions. Additionally, he was in the 99th percentile for expected assisted goals per 90 (0.37) and passes attempted (87.71), along with the 98th percentile for progressive passes (8.69). His 147 successful long passes ranked him eighth among Premier League outfielders, and his 32 switches of play placed him third.
Tim Jenkins notes, "More recently, he's been able to move inside into the half-space and deliver from there. Trent has had an ideal skillset to adapt to how the game has changed." This evolution in his gameplay is a testament to his ability to read the game and adjust accordingly.
A Player for All Seasons
Despite his many accolades, Alexander-Arnold faced challenges as well. McAteer points out, "With England, he was hung out to dry a bit. 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." These experiences have only added layers to his already impressive repertoire, making him a more well-rounded player.
Looking forward, the question of Alexander-Arnold's best position continues to spark debate. Jenkins suggests, "I think that hybrid full-back role is still his best position, where he can roll into the inside of the pitch. He can be a full-back when you haven't got the ball and a midfielder when you have." This dual capability ensures that wherever he is on the pitch, he's bound to make an impact.
As Liverpool prepares for the upcoming season, the possibility of Alexander-Arnold moving on has surfaced, with links to Real Madrid adding to the speculation. His current contract is set to expire in the summer, creating a cloud of uncertainty around his future at Anfield.
No matter what lies ahead, Trent Alexander-Arnold's journey is far from over. His transformative impact on the game is undeniable, and his versatility ensures he will remain a key figure in whatever role he undertakes. As McAteer aptly puts it, "You look at Trent now and he's grown up, he's evolved." The football world eagerly watches the next chapter in the career of this remarkable player.