Trent Alexander-Arnold: From Full-Back Prodigy to Midfield Maestro
Since his debut in 2016, Trent Alexander-Arnold has made an imposing mark on Liverpool Football Club, clocking in 310 appearances. At just 25 years old, Alexander-Arnold is bracing for the 2024-25 campaign, poised to contribute even more to his club and country.
Foundations in Versatility
Alexander-Arnold’s versatility on the pitch dates back to his early years. Before making headlines as Liverpool’s standout right-back, he showcased his skills in various positions. At the under-15 level, he played both as a centre-half and a full-back under Michael Beale. 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. He was right in the middle of the pitch and involved in everything."
Jenkins also highlighted Alexander-Arnold’s adaptability, "When he went into the Under-18s with Neil Critchley, 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." This early exposure to multiple positions undoubtedly laid the foundation for his incredible vision and passing accuracy – hallmarks of his current playstyle.
Rise to Prominence
After impressing in various youth setups, Trent’s rapid rise continued. "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 reminisces. It's no wonder that his first Premier League start came shortly after, in a 1-1 draw against Manchester United in January 2017.
Alexander-Arnold’s creative prowess has been a significant asset for Liverpool. During the 2018-19 season, he registered 12 assists, the third-highest tally in the Premier League. The following season, he upped his game with 13 assists, second only to Kevin de Bruyne. His ability to contribute offensively while playing as a right-back has been exceptional. Even during the 2021-22 campaign, his tally of 12 assists was bettered only by Mohamed Salah.
Exceptional Statistics
The numbers from last season further solidify Alexander-Arnold’s status. He ranked in the 99th percentile for expected assisted goals per 90 minutes (0.37) and passes attempted (87.71) among full-backs in Europe’s top five divisions. Moreover, his average of 5.25 shot-creating actions per 90 minutes positioned him at the pinnacle among full-backs. His proficiency in long passes and switches of play also places him among the elite, ranking eighth and third, respectively, among Premier League outfielders.
Midfield Experiment
Alexander-Arnold’s exploits haven’t been confined to the right flank. He has been deployed in midfield for England in six of his last seven starts, showcasing his adaptability. However, this shift hasn’t been devoid of challenges. As Jason McAteer, former Liverpool, Blackburn Rovers, and Republic of Ireland player, points out, "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."
Despite these challenges, Alexander-Arnold’s versatility offers unique advantages. Tim Jenkins believes that "the 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."
The Road Ahead
With Alexander-Arnold’s contract expiring in the summer, there has been speculation linking him to Real Madrid. Regardless of where his future lies, it’s undeniable that he has evolved into an indispensable player whose abilities transcend traditional positional boundaries. Jason McAteer succinctly captures this sentiment, stating, "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."
As Liverpool prepares for another season, fans and analysts alike will be keen to see where Alexander-Arnold fits into Jurgen Klopp’s plans. Whether at right-back, in midfield, or in a more hybrid role, one thing is certain: Trent Alexander-Arnold’s journey is a testament to the power of adaptability and skill in modern football.