Trent Alexander-Arnold has been an integral player for Liverpool since making his debut in 2016, and his career trajectory reveals a footballer of immense versatility and skill. With 310 appearances under his belt at just 25 years old, Alexander-Arnold is now preparing for Liverpool's 2024-25 campaign, a season that will see him facing crucial decisions, including the expiration of his contract in the summer and potential interest from Real Madrid.
Alexander-Arnold's primary role has traditionally been at right-back, a position where he has thrived, showcasing his exceptional crossing ability and defensive acumen. However, his adaptability has seen him playing in midfield for England in six of his last seven starts, a testament to his well-rounded skill set.
Early Career and Development
From an early age, Alexander-Arnold demonstrated a natural aptitude for various positions on the field. Tim Jenkins, a former analyst and assistant coach for Liverpool Under-21s, recalls his 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." Jenkins highlights how Alexander-Arnold's role evolved as he progressed through the youth ranks. "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," Jenkins notes.
Even before the Under-16s, Alexander-Arnold played as a centre-half and full-back. His versatility was evident, and it was only a matter of time before he would make his mark on the first team. In January 2017, he made his first Premier League start in a 1-1 draw with Manchester United, a performance that hinted at his burgeoning talent.
Assist King
Alexander-Arnold's offensive contributions from right-back have been nothing short of phenomenal. 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 ability to create scoring opportunities has been a hallmark of his game, making him one of the most potent attacking full-backs in Europe.
Last season alone, Alexander-Arnold's average of 5.25 shot-creating actions per 90 minutes in the Premier League and Europa League placed him in the 99th percentile among full-backs in Europe's top five divisions. Additionally, he ranked in the 99th percentile for expected assisted goals per 90 (0.37) and passes attempted (87.71), alongside an impressive 98th percentile for progressive passes (8.69). He also ranked eighth among Premier League outfielders for total successful long passes (147) and third for switches of play (32).
Evolving Roles
Alexander-Arnold's role has evolved in alignment with the modern game's demands. "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," remarks Jason McAteer, a former Liverpool player.
Tim Jenkins shares this perspective: "More recently, Trent has been able to move inside into the half-space and deliver from there. Trent has had an ideal skill set to adapt to how the game has changed." The hybrid role has allowed Alexander-Arnold to maintain his impact, regardless of his starting position.
Challenges and Future Prospects
Despite his numerous strengths, Alexander-Arnold has faced challenges, particularly when deployed as a deep-lying midfielder. "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," McAteer observes. However, he remains an invaluable asset, and many believe his best position is in the hybrid full-back role where he can fluidly transition between defense and midfield.
Jenkins encapsulates this versatility: "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." Jurgen Klopp has supported this multifaceted approach, commenting, "Sometimes Trent will be on the outside, sometimes he'll be on the inside – wherever he is, he's just going to be Trent."
As Alexander-Arnold looks forward to Liverpool's upcoming season and the continuation of his illustrious career, his adaptability and innate footballing intelligence will undoubtedly keep him at the heart of any tactical setup.