Trent Alexander-Arnold: Evolution of a Modern Footballer
Trent Alexander-Arnold, a name synonymous with Liverpool FC, has been a staple for the Reds since his debut in 2016. Making 310 appearances to date, the 25-year-old appears primed to bolster his legacy as he gears up for Liverpool's 2024-25 campaign.
Over his career, Alexander-Arnold has primarily held the right-back position. However, his versatility has seen him thrive in different roles. His transition to midfield for England, where he has played in six of his last seven starts, showcases his adaptability.
Jason McAteer, former Liverpool and Republic of Ireland player, notes the evolution of the full-back role: "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 embodies this modern interpretation of a full-back, seamlessly integrating into midfield when the situation demands.
He started Liverpool's final pre-season friendly against Sevilla at right-back, highlighting his continued significance in that role for the club, despite being absent from their tour of America. His technical skills and comprehension of the game make him indispensable, whether he's contributing from the back or the midfield.
Accomplishments and Career Highlights
Alexander-Arnold’s statistics are nothing short of extraordinary. In the 2018-19 Premier League season, he registered 12 assists, the third-highest tally in the league. He bettered that the following season with 13 assists, second only to Kevin de Bruyne. His 12 assists in the 2021-22 season were surpassed only by Mohamed Salah.
Last season, Alexander-Arnold's 5.25 shot-creating actions per 90 minutes in the Premier League and Europa League ranked him in the 99th percentile among full-backs in Europe’s top five divisions. He also ranked in the 99th percentile for expected assisted goals per 90 (0.37) and passes attempted (87.71). His progressive passes (8.69) placed him in the 98th percentile. Moreover, his total of 147 successful long passes ranked him eighth among Premier League outfielders and third for switches of play with 32.
The journey to these stellar performances has deep roots. Tim Jenkins, former analyst and assistant coach for Liverpool Under-21s, recalls a young Alexander-Arnold: "He'd played in midfield in Pep Lijnders' Under-16s, at the base of the diamond." He continues, "He was right in the middle of the pitch and involved in everything." From being a centre-half and full-back for Michael Beale in the Under-15s, Alexander-Arnold has exhibited a natural capacity to adapt and thrive in varying roles.
Highlighting a significant moment, Jenkins adds: "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." Shortly after, Alexander-Arnold made his debut for Liverpool's first team in the League Cup.
The Modern Game and Alexander-Arnold’s Role
As football evolves, Alexander-Arnold continues to adapt. Jenkins notes, "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." His ability to effortlessly transition between roles speaks volumes of his footballing intellect and physical prowess.
However, his journey has not been without its challenges. "But in the modern game you need to be protected. I think with England he was hung out to dry a bit," McAteer remarks on Alexander-Arnold's exposure in deeper midfield roles. His defensive attributes have been a topic of scrutiny, but his offensive contributions remain unassailable.
To maximize his potential, Jenkins suggests, "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 echoes this sentiment: "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 his contract approaches its expiration next summer, Alexander-Arnold has been linked with a move to Real Madrid. Whether he remains at Liverpool or seeks new challenges abroad, his impact on the game is indelible.
Reflecting on his career trajectory, McAteer aptly summarizes, "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." Alexander-Arnold represents the epitome of the modern footballer, continuously evolving, adapting, and excelling at the highest levels of the sport.