As Liverpool prepares for the upcoming 2024-25 campaign, all eyes are once again on Trent Alexander-Arnold. The 25-year-old has already etched his name into the club's storied history with 310 appearances since his 2016 debut. Once a prodigy, Alexander-Arnold has evolved into one of the most versatile and dynamic players in world football.
A Career Shaped by Versatility
While Alexander-Arnold is best known as a right-back, his journey through Liverpool's youth ranks tells a story of significant adaptability. Tim Jenkins, a former analyst and assistant coach for Liverpool Under-21s, recalls his early days: "He'd played in midfield in Pep Lijnders' Under-16s, at the base of the diamond." Jenkins adds that "before the Under-16s, he'd played as a centre-half and a full-back for Michael Beale in the Under-15s age group."
This inherent flexibility has not gone unnoticed at the international level. Alexander-Arnold has played in midfield for England in six of his last seven starts. The shift is partly influenced by how modern tactics have evolved. Former Liverpool and Republic of Ireland player Jason McAteer notes, "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." He adds, "Trent has got that many attributes that you've got to get him into the team." Whether as a full-back or in the heart of midfield, Alexander-Arnold has seamlessly adapted his skills.
Consistent Excellence
Alexander-Arnold has been instrumental in Liverpool's successes in recent seasons. He's consistently ranked among the top in various statistical categories, redefining what it means to be a full-back. During the 2018-19 season, he registered the third-highest tally of assists in the Premier League with 12. He bettered that performance the following season with 13 assists, second only to Kevin de Bruyne.
Last season, Alexander-Arnold's influence was particularly striking. His average of 5.25 shot-creating actions per 90 minutes in the Premier League and Europa League ranked in the 99th percentile among full-backs in Europe’s top five divisions. He was also in the 99th percentile for expected assisted goals per 90 (0.37) and passes attempted (87.71), showcasing his creative prowess. His defensive contributions were notable too, ranking eighth among Premier League outfielders for total successful long passes (147) and third for switches of play (32).
Challenges and Prospects
Despite his numerous achievements, Alexander-Arnold has faced his share of challenges. Last season, he was absent from Liverpool's tour of America, prompting questions about his fitness and readiness for upcoming matches. Nonetheless, he started the final pre-season friendly against Sevilla at right-back, signaling his crucial role in Jurgen Klopp's plans.
His defensive abilities have sometimes been called into question. McAteer reflects, "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." The ever-demanding nature of the Premier League necessitates that even the most skilled players shore up their weaknesses.
As Alexander-Arnold's contract is set to expire in the summer, speculations about his future have begun to swirl. Reports have linked him to Real Madrid, adding another layer of intrigue to his career trajectory. However, whether he stays at Liverpool or seeks new challenges, his impact on the game is undeniable.
Legacy in the Making
Alexander-Arnold's career seems to be following a unique yet successful trajectory. Jenkins passionately states, "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." His ability to transition between roles, from creating from wide positions to influencing play from central areas, makes him a valuable asset in modern football.
As Liverpool fans eagerly await the start of the new season, they can be assured of one thing: Trent Alexander-Arnold will continue to be at the heart of their team's endeavors, driving forward with the skill and passion that have defined his career thus far.