Trent Alexander-Arnold: Evolution of Liverpool's Versatile Maestro
Since making his debut in 2016, Trent Alexander-Arnold has become a pivotal figure for Liverpool. The 25-year-old has made 310 appearances for the club and is gearing up for the 2024-25 campaign. While he has predominantly featured as a right-back, his versatility has seen him occupy various roles, showcasing his adaptability and value to both club and country.
A Journey Through Positions
Alexander-Arnold's versatility is rooted in his early years. "He'd played in midfield in Pep Lijnders' Under-16s, at the base of the diamond," recalls Tim Jenkins, a former analyst and assistant coach for Liverpool Under-21s. "He was right in the middle of the pitch and involved in everything." Before this, he had experience as a centre-half and full-back during his time with the Under-15s.
Jenkins elaborates, "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 multifaceted development laid the foundation for his seamless transition across various positions.
Breakthrough and Consistency
Alexander-Arnold's breakthrough came in January 2017 when he made his first Premier League start in a 1-1 draw with Manchester United. Over subsequent seasons, he established himself as a key player for Liverpool. His playmaking ability from the right-back position redefined the role, contributing significantly to Liverpool’s attacking prowess.
During the 2018-19 season, he registered the third-highest tally of assists in the Premier League with 12 assists. The following season, he surpassed this with 13 assists, second only to Kevin de Bruyne. In the 2021-22 campaign, his 12 assists were bettered only by Mohamed Salah. These stats highlight his consistent contribution to Liverpool’s offensive play.
Adapting to a Midfield Role
More recently, Alexander-Arnold has showcased his ability in midfield, playing in this role for England in six of his last seven starts. His performance in this position reflects a broader trend in modern football. "The game has evolved now," says Jason McAteer, a former Liverpool player. "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."
Tim Jenkins concurs, noting Alexander-Arnold's evolution: "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." Last season, he ranked in the 99th percentile among full-backs in Europe's top five divisions for shot-creating actions per 90 minutes (5.25), expected assisted goals per 90 (0.37), and passes attempted (87.71).
Challenges and Resilience
Despite his numerous strengths, Alexander-Arnold has faced challenges. "Trent's weakest attribute is his defending and he was playing as a deep-lying midfielder," observes McAteer. "He was great on the ball, but without it he was exposed and he became a bit of a scapegoat." This candid assessment underscores the complexity of his role and the scrutiny he endures.
However, his resilience and adaptability remain evident. "If you see footage of him playing when he was little, he was basically the same player. You'd see all the driving runs, the physical attributes, his ball-striking and his passing over distance," Jenkins highlights. "He's just adapted his strengths into whatever position he plays."
The Future Ahead
As Liverpool prepares for the upcoming season, Alexander-Arnold's role will be crucial. He remains linked to top clubs like Real Madrid, but his current focus is undoubtedly on contributing to Liverpool's success. His contract expires in the summer, making his performances this season even more significant.
Alexander-Arnold's journey reflects the evolution of modern footballers. His ability to transition seamlessly between roles, combined with his outstanding attributes, makes him a valuable asset. Whether as a right-back, midfielder, or a hybrid of both, Trent Alexander-Arnold continues to redefine his position while remaining a central figure for both Liverpool and England.