Trent Alexander-Arnold: The Evolution of Liverpool's Multifaceted Maestro
Since his debut in 2016, Trent Alexander-Arnold has been a linchpin for Liverpool, amassing over 310 appearances for the Merseyside giants. His journey from a promising academy talent to an indispensable first-team player is a testament to his adaptability and footballing intelligence. At just 25 years old, Alexander-Arnold is on the cusp of leading Liverpool into the 2024-25 campaign, his versatility continuing to redefine modern football roles.
Historically, Alexander-Arnold has spent the bulk of his career patrolling the right flank as a right-back. Yet, his recent performances for England indicate a shift, with the defender playing in midfield in six of his last seven starts for the national team. This evolution has not gone unnoticed, raising questions about his potential long-term role both at the club and international levels.
Tim Jenkins, a former analyst and assistant coach for Liverpool Under-21s, has closely observed Alexander-Arnold's growth over the years. "He'd played in midfield in Pep Lijnders' Under-16s, at the base of the diamond," Jenkins recalls. "He was right in the middle of the pitch and involved in everything." Jenkins highlighted how Alexander-Arnold’s physical attributes were honed during his time with the Under-18s under Neil Critchley, where he played as a right winger or right full-back.
Jenkins’ anecdotes paint a vivid picture of Alexander-Arnold's rapid ascent. "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." A week later, a similar standout performance against Tottenham underscored his readiness for the first team. "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," Jenkins reminisces.
Alexander-Arnold’s offensive prowess has been a mainstay in Liverpool’s system, evident from his assist tallies in the Premier League. During the 2018-19 season, he registered 12 assists—a statistic he bettered the following year with 13, just behind Kevin De Bruyne. His 2021-22 campaign saw him notching up 12 assists again, ranking him second only to Mohamed Salah.
The previous season was perhaps Trent’s most statistically impressive, with his 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. Moreover, his expected assisted goals per 90 minutes (0.37) and passes attempted (87.71) also placed him in the 99th percentile, while his progressive passes (8.69) landed him in the 98th percentile.
Despite his attacking contributions, there have been critiques of his defensive skills, a sentiment echoed by former Liverpool player Jason McAteer. "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. He suggests, "I think that hybrid full-back role is still his best position, where he can roll into the inside of the pitch."
McAteer emphasizes the modern-day demands of a full-back: "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." This hybrid model perfectly encapsulates Alexander-Arnold's adaptability, making him a unique asset in Jurgen Klopp’s dynamic system.
Indeed, Klopp himself has acknowledged this dual role. "Sometimes Trent will be on the outside, sometimes he'll be on the inside – wherever he is, he's just going to be Trent," noted Jenkins, underlining the player’s ability to seamlessly transition between positions based on the tactical requirements.
Despite missing Liverpool's tour of America, Alexander-Arnold's presence was felt in their final pre-season friendly against Sevilla, where he started at right-back. His versatility and technical brilliance have also attracted attention from top European clubs, with Real Madrid reportedly linked with a move for the player.
As Liverpool brace for yet another competitive season, Alexander-Arnold's role will undoubtedly be pivotal. Whether he continues to dominate from the right-back position or transitions into a more central role, his evolution reflects not only his personal growth but also the shifting paradigms in modern football.