Trent Alexander-Arnold: The Evolution of Liverpool's Versatile Maestro
Since his debut in 2016, Trent Alexander-Arnold has become a linchpin in Liverpool's squad, amassing 310 appearances by the age of 25. As he prepares for Liverpool's 2024-25 campaign, his journey from youth prospect to one of Europe's most dynamic players is a testament to his adaptability and skill.
Early Development and Positional Versatility
Trent's career began in Liverpool’s youth setups, where his versatility was evident from an early age. 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." Before this, Alexander-Arnold had stints as a centre-half and full-back for Michael Beale in the Under-15s age group.
His positional shifts continued under Neil Critchley in the Under-18s, where he leveraged his physical attributes to make an impact as a right winger or a right full-back. This adaptability laid the groundwork for his eventual role in the senior team. "If you see footage of him playing when he was little, he was basically the same player. He’s just adapted his strengths into whatever position he plays," Jenkins observed.
Breakthrough and First-Team Success
January 2017 marked a significant milestone for Alexander-Arnold as he made his first Premier League start in a 1-1 draw with Manchester United. His trajectory only soared from there. During the 2018-19 season, he registered an impressive 12 assists, the third-highest in the Premier League. The following season saw him improve his tally to 13, second only to Kevin de Bruyne.
His attacking prowess continued throughout the 2021-22 campaign, where he recorded 12 assists, with only Mohamed Salah bettering that number. Last season, 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 topped the charts for expected assisted goals per 90 and passes attempted, further solidifying his status as an elite creator.
A Midfield Experiment
While Alexander-Arnold has predominantly been deployed as a right-back, his skill set has seen him take on a midfield role for England in six of his last seven starts. Jason McAteer, former Liverpool and Republic of Ireland player, emphasizes the modern expectations for a full-back: "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, the transition has not been entirely seamless. McAteer 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." This insight highlights the challenges of balancing offensive and defensive responsibilities in a central role.
The Future at Liverpool
As Liverpool gears up for another Premiership campaign, Alexander-Arnold remains a pivotal figure. Despite his absence from the club's tour of America, he started the final pre-season friendly against Sevilla at right-back, reaffirming his role in the squad. His contract, set to expire in the summer, has fueled speculation about a potential move to Real Madrid. Regardless of the rumors, his importance to Liverpool is undisputed.
Klopp’s tactical flexibility often sees Alexander-Arnold in varying roles. Tim Jenkins encapsulates this fluidity, 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." This hybrid role, combining defensive duties with midfield creativity, appears to be his optimal position.
Ultimately, Trent Alexander-Arnold’s journey is a masterclass in adaptability and perseverance. From his youth days to the Premier League, he has continually evolved, meeting the demands of modern football while honing his distinctive skill set. As he stands on the cusp of what could be another transformative season, his legacy at Liverpool seems destined to grow even further.