Trent Alexander-Arnold, the 25-year-old Liverpool stalwart, stands poised for another season of Premier League action, as he prepares for Liverpool's 2024-25 campaign. Since debuting in 2016, the dynamic right-back has accumulated 310 appearances for the club, showcasing his prodigious talent and adaptability on the pitch.
A Versatile Career at Liverpool
Although he has spent the majority of his Liverpool career at right-back, Alexander-Arnold has demonstrated his versatility by playing in midfield for England in six of his last seven starts. This adaptability speaks to his comprehensive skill set, honed from a young age under various coaches in Liverpool's youth setup.
Tim Jenkins, a former analyst and assistant coach for Liverpool Under-21s, reminisced about Alexander-Arnold's development. "He'd played in midfield in Pep Lijnders' Under-16s, at the base of the diamond," Jenkins said. "He was right in the middle of the pitch and involved in everything."
However, it was during his time with Neil Critchley's Under-18s that Alexander-Arnold began to harness his physical attributes, alternating between roles as a right winger and right full-back. "When he went into the Under-18s with Neil Critchley, they started to help him use his physical attributes a bit," Jenkins explained.
Early Years and Breakthrough
Before making his first Premier League start in a 1-1 draw with Manchester United in January 2017, Alexander-Arnold showcased his promise in Liverpool's youth teams. "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," Jenkins recalled.
Alexander-Arnold's assist tally demonstrates his remarkable creative abilities from both wide and central positions. In the 2018-19 season, he notched up 12 assists— the third-highest in the Premier League. The following season, he recorded 13 assists, second only to Kevin de Bruyne. His talent for creating opportunities has only grown, with his 12 assists in the 2021-22 campaign bettered only by Mohamed Salah.
Last Season’s Performance
Last season, Alexander-Arnold's offensive prowess was on full display, as he ranked in the 99th percentile among full-backs in Europe's top five divisions for shot-creating actions per 90 minutes. His averages for expected assisted goals (0.37) and passes attempted (87.71) per 90 minutes were similarly impressive, marking him as an elite playmaker.
His aptitude for long passes and switches of play further underscores his comprehensive vision and technical skills. He ranked eighth in the Premier League for total successful long passes (147) and third for switches of play (32).
The Evolving Role of a Full-Back
The modern game has redefined the traditional full-back role, and Alexander-Arnold has embraced this evolution. Jason McAteer, former Liverpool, Blackburn Rovers, and Republic of Ireland player, commented, "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."
This hybrid role seems to fit Alexander-Arnold perfectly. "The game has evolved now," McAteer explained. "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 evident talents, Alexander-Arnold has faced challenges. "But in the modern game you need to be protected," McAteer noted. "With England, he was hung out to dry a bit. His qualities are there to be seen, but you can be exposed."
Future Prospects
Looking ahead, Alexander-Arnold's contract with Liverpool is set to expire in the summer, stirring speculation about his future. Most notably, he has been linked to Real Madrid, one of Europe’s most prestigious clubs. Regardless of where he ends up, his ability to adapt and excel in multiple positions means that he will remain a critical asset to any team he represents.
As Liverpool prepares for their upcoming season, Trent Alexander-Arnold's role, whether as a right-back or in a more advanced midfield position, will undoubtedly be pivotal. His journey, marked by consistent growth and evolution, continues to capture the imagination of football fans worldwide. Whether creating assists or adjusting to new tactical demands, Alexander-Arnold's impact on the game remains profound and far-reaching.