Trent Alexander-Arnold: The Multifaceted Talent Shaping Modern Football
Since making his debut for Liverpool in 2016, Trent Alexander-Arnold has solidified his reputation as one of football’s most versatile and influential players. Commanding a career that includes 310 appearances for Liverpool, Alexander-Arnold has evolved significantly, exhibiting a blend of defensive grit and creative flair that has redefined the role of a modern full-back.
At 25 years old, Alexander-Arnold is embarking on Liverpool's 2024-25 campaign with his contract set to expire in the upcoming summer. Despite the looming uncertainty, his impressive track record and potential prospects, including links to Real Madrid, add layers to his evolving career narrative.
A Journey of Positional Play
Interestingly, Alexander-Arnold has demonstrated remarkable adaptability throughout his career. Initially serving primarily as a right-back, his dynamic skillset has seen him take on multiple roles, including playing in midfield. Remarkably, he has occupied a midfield position for England in six of his last seven starts, underscoring his growing versatility.
Tim Jenkins, a former analyst and assistant coach for Liverpool Under-21s, offers valuable insights into Alexander-Arnold’s development. "He'd played in midfield in Pep Lijnders' Under-16s, at the base of the diamond," Jenkins recalled. "He was right in the middle of the pitch and involved in everything."
Reflecting on his earlier years, Jenkins added, "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 early exposure to various positions has evidently honed Alexander-Arnold’s understanding of the game from multiple vantage points.
Midfield Emergence and Tactical Evolution
As Alexander-Arnold matured, his potential as a midfielder became increasingly apparent. "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," Jenkins explained. His ability to contribute both defensively and offensively has made him a unique asset for Liverpool.
Under Klopp's tutelage, Alexander-Arnold’s role has further diversified. Last season, he ranked in the 99th percentile for expected assisted goals per 90 minutes (0.37) and passes attempted (87.71). His progressive passing metrics also stood out, ranking him in the 98th percentile for progressive passes (8.69). These statistics highlight his pivotal role in Liverpool's ball progression and attacking play.
Assists and Creative Prowess
Alexander-Arnold’s creativity from the backline is undeniable. In the 2018-19 Premier League season, he recorded the third-highest tally of assists with 12, followed by 13 assists in the following season, second only to Kevin de Bruyne. In the 2021-22 campaign, his 12 assists were bettered only by Mohamed Salah, showcasing his consistent offensive contributions.
Jenkins elaborates on this transformation: "If you look at the assists from earlier in his career, they came from wide. More recently, he's been able to move inside into the half-space and deliver from there." This flexibility has allowed Alexander-Arnold to adapt to the evolving demands of the game. "Trent has had an ideal skillset to adapt to how the game has changed," Jenkins added.
A Future Defined by Versatility
Despite his profound offensive abilities, Alexander-Arnold’s defensive skills have occasionally come under scrutiny. Jason McAteer, a former player, remarked, "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."
However, McAteer also acknowledges Alexander-Arnold’s diverse potential. "You have to learn how to play with your back to play, how to open your body up and how to make runs to lose your marker and finish chances when they come along," he noted. For McAteer, the hybrid role where Alexander-Arnold can operate as both a full-back and a midfielder holds great promise. "I think that hybrid full-back role is still his best position, where he can roll into the inside of the pitch," he asserted.
Looking Ahead
As Liverpool prepares for their new season, much is expected from Alexander-Arnold. Whether he remains at Liverpool or moves to another club, his ability to adapt and excel in multiple roles will continue to define his career. Jenkins summed it up succinctly, "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."
In a sport perpetually evolving, Trent Alexander-Arnold stands as a testament to versatility, skill, and the ever-blurring lines between traditional positional play. His career, marked by remarkable assists, dynamic playmaking, and tactical adaptability, will continue to captivate and inspire football enthusiasts worldwide.