Trent Alexander-Arnold has become a pivotal figure for Liverpool, making 310 appearances since his debut in 2016. As he prepares for Liverpool's 2024-25 campaign at the age of 25, Alexander-Arnold continues to show his versatility. Traditionally positioned at right-back, he has also demonstrated his capabilities in midfield, featuring in that role for England in six of his last seven starts.
A Journey of Adaptability
Since his first Premier League start in January 2017, a memorable 1-1 draw with Manchester United, Alexander-Arnold has evolved into one of the game’s premier playmakers. His 12 assists during the 2018-19 season were the third-highest in the Premier League, a feat he bettered the following season with 13 assists, second only to Kevin de Bruyne. In the 2021-22 campaign, his tally of 12 assists was topped only by Mohamed Salah.
The statistics from last season further highlight his remarkable influence. His average of 5.25 shot-creating actions per 90 minutes ranked him in the 99th percentile among full-backs in Europe's top five leagues, and he also excelled in expected assists per 90 (0.37) and passes attempted (87.71). Moreover, he stood in the 98th percentile for progressive passes (8.69), a testament to his vision and accuracy. Notably, he ranked eighth among Premier League outfielders for successful long passes (147) and third for switches of play (32).Developing From Within
Tim Jenkins, a former analyst and assistant coach for Liverpool Under-21s, provided illuminating insights into Alexander-Arnold's development. "He'd played in midfield in Pep Lijnders' Under-16s, at the base of the diamond," Jenkins shared. "He was right in the middle of the pitch and involved in everything." This comfort in differing roles illustrated his innate football intelligence and adaptability, traits that have been fine-tuned through his career.
Jenkins continued, "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. And before the Under-16s, he'd played as a centre-half and a full-back for Michael Beale in the Under-15s age group."
These formative years laid the groundwork for his ascent. Jenkins recounted significant moments under Klopp’s watchful eye, such as a dominant showing against Leicester where "we were 4-0 up before half-time and he'd created everything from the right." The performance was a glimpse into his burgeoning potential. "A week later, we played Tottenham away and it was the same again. He was head and shoulders the best player on the pitch. He scored a goal from long distance in that game. It wasn't too long after that he made his debut for the first team in the League Cup."A Modern Full-Back
The evolution of Alexander-Arnold’s role mirrors broader changes in football. Jason McAteer, a former Liverpool player, emphasized this point: "The game has evolved now. 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."
Alexander-Arnold’s unique combination of skills makes him irreplaceable in Liverpool’s lineup. "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," McAteer added.
Jenkins concurred, noting, "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." Jenkins further elaborated, "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. He's just adapted his strengths into whatever position he plays."Challenges and Potential Moves
Despite his strengths, Alexander-Arnold’s defending has at times come under scrutiny. McAteer observed, "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."
Speculation persists about his future, with links to Real Madrid and questions surrounding his next contract, which expires in the summer. His absence from Liverpool’s American tour and his return as a right-back against Sevilla in the final pre-season friendly have only fueled these discussions.Embracing the Hybrid Role
Jenkins believes Alexander-Arnold’s hybrid role is where he thrives most. "I think that hybrid full-back role is still his best position, where he can roll into the inside of the pitch," he said, highlighting the full-back's adaptability. "He can be a full-back when you haven't got the ball and a midfielder when you have."
Klopp’s belief in Alexander-Arnold’s versatility epitomizes his approach to the game. "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," Jenkins reflected.
As the new season approaches, Trent Alexander-Arnold remains a crucial element in Liverpool’s ambitions, demonstrating how a modern footballer can transcend traditional roles to make an indelible mark on the sport.