Trent Alexander-Arnold’s journey with Liverpool has been nothing short of remarkable. Since making his debut in 2016, the right-back has amassed 310 appearances for the club, becoming an indispensable part of the squad. At 25 years old, he is now preparing for Liverpool's 2024-25 campaign with renewed vigor.
A Versatile Presence
While Alexander-Arnold is primarily known for his role at right-back, his versatility has seen him deployed in various positions, including midfield, where he has played in six of his last seven starts for England. This adaptability is not new; 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 emphasizes how Alexander-Arnold’s involvement in different roles helped him evolve, noting, “He was right in the middle of the pitch and involved in everything.”
From his early days in the Under-15s, where he served as a center-half and full-back under Michael Beale, to his eventual rise in the Under-18s with Neil Critchley, Alexander-Arnold has shown a remarkable ability to adapt. “When he went into the Under-18s, they started to help him use his physical attributes a bit, so he played on the outside as a right winger or a right full-back,” Jenkins explains.
A Natural Talent
Alexander-Arnold’s journey to the first team was propelled by his standout performances at the youth level. Jenkins recalls a significant moment: “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.” His subsequent performances only solidified his reputation. "A week later, we played Tottenham away, and it was the same again. He was head and shoulders the best player on the pitch. It wasn't too long after that he made his debut for the first team in the League Cup," Jenkins fondly remembers.
Evolution and Contribution
Since breaking into the Liverpool first team, Alexander-Arnold has continuously honed his skills and expanded his tactical understanding. In the 2018-19 Premier League season, he registered the third-highest tally of assists with 12, followed by 13 assists in the next season, second only to Kevin de Bruyne. His tally of 12 assists in the 2021-22 campaign was bettered only by Mohamed Salah.
Last season, Alexander-Arnold was in the 99th percentile for shot-creating actions per 90 minutes (5.25) in the Premier League and Europa League among full-backs in Europe's top five divisions. His expected assisted goals per 90 (0.37) and passes attempted (87.71) also ranked in the 99th percentile. Furthermore, he was in the 98th percentile for progressive passes (8.69), showcasing his pivotal role in Liverpool's playmaking.
Adapting to Modern Football
Former Liverpool and Republic of Ireland player Jason McAteer provides insight into the evolution of the full-back 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.” Alexander-Arnold has seamlessly integrated these aspects into his game. “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,” McAteer adds.
Tim Jenkins agrees, highlighting Alexander-Arnold’s adaptability: “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.” Whether stationed wide or inside, Alexander-Arnold has consistently excelled in his roles.
Challenges and Criticism
Despite his evident talent, Alexander-Arnold hasn’t been without his critics, particularly concerning his defensive capabilities. McAteer notes, “His 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.” However, both McAteer and Jenkins believe that his hybrid role, where he switches between full-back and midfielder, suits him best. “He can be a full-back when you haven't got the ball and a midfielder when you have,” Jenkins explains.
The Road Ahead
As Alexander-Arnold looks ahead to his future, speculation continues about his next move, with links to Real Madrid circulating. His contract with Liverpool expires in the summer, adding another layer of intrigue to an already illustrious career. Whatever the future holds, one thing is clear: Trent Alexander-Arnold’s ability to adapt, evolve, and excel will keep him at the forefront of football for years to come.