Understanding Trent Alexander-Arnold: A Versatile Talent in Modern Football
Trent Alexander-Arnold, the Liverpool sensation, has continued to evolve, proving himself to be not just a pivotal right-back but a multifaceted footballer capable of influencing the game from various positions on the pitch. With a career that began in earnest in 2016, he has since accumulated 310 appearances for Liverpool, playing predominantly at right-back.
This 25-year-old player, preparing for Liverpool's 2024-25 campaign, has ventured into midfield roles, showcasing his versatility and fulfilling duties for England in six of his last seven starts. His evolution traces back to his early days, where he played as a centre-half and full-back under Michael Beale in the Under-15s before moving to midfield in Pep Lijnders' Under-16s.
A Journey From the Wings to the Centre
Tim Jenkins, a former analyst and assistant coach for Liverpool Under-21s, fondly recalls Trent's transition through different roles. "He'd played in midfield in Pep Lijnders' Under-16s, at the base of the diamond," Jenkins says. His journey continued in the Under-18s with Neil Critchley, where he leveraged his physical attributes, playing on the outside as a right winger or right full-back. Jenkins highlights, "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 breadth of experience laid a strong foundation that allowed Alexander-Arnold to flourish in senior football. His first Premier League start came in January 2017 in a 1-1 draw against Manchester United, marking the beginning of a prolific run in the top tier.
Impressive Stats and Rising Influence
Trent Alexander-Arnold’s influence on the field is underscored by his impressive stats. The 2018-19 season saw him register the third-highest tally of assists in the Premier League with 12 assists. The following season, he topped this number with 13, becoming second only to Kevin de Bruyne. His 2021-22 campaign was equally impressive, with his 12 assists second only to Mohamed Salah.
Last season, Trent proved his mettle with an average of 5.25 shot-creating actions per 90 minutes in the Premier League and Europa League, ranking in the 99th percentile among full-backs in Europe's top five divisions. He also excelled in expected assisted goals per 90 (0.37) and passes attempted (87.71), again in the 99th percentile. Furthermore, he ranked in the 98th percentile for progressive passes (8.69), and his long pass success and ability to switch play were equally sterling, ranking eighth and third respectively among Premier League outfielders.
Yet, the last season saw him miss Liverpool's tour of America, though he managed to start the final pre-season friendly against Sevilla at right-back, revealing his importance to the side despite the missed engagements.
Adapting to the Modern Game
Football’s evolution and the shift towards versatile playing styles have not been lost on Alexander-Arnold. Jason McAteer, a former Liverpool and Republic of Ireland player, reflects on this change, stating, "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." McAteer further adds, "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."
Yet, this adaptability has also meant facing challenges. "We look at him as this passing genius, great with the ball at his feet and creative," McAteer notes. However, he remarks that, "In the modern game you need to be protected. I think with England he was hung out to dry a bit." This sentiment is echoed in the context of his deep-lying midfielder role, where his offensive prowess was sometimes overshadowed by defensive vulnerabilities.
Jenkins supports the notion of a hybrid role for Trent, saying, "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." Klopp’s view resonates with this, as he believes Trent will always be himself, whether on the outside or inside of the pitch.
As Liverpool and Trent Alexander-Arnold look towards their imminent campaigns, the underlying narrative is one of adaptation and utilization of a unique skillset that stands out in modern football. His evolution both at the club and international levels speaks volumes of a player whose trajectory is primed for continual growth and impact.