Trent Alexander-Arnold: The Evolution of a Versatile Talent
Since making his debut for Liverpool in 2016, Trent Alexander-Arnold has made his mark as one of the most dynamic and versatile players in modern football. With 310 appearances for Liverpool, the now 25-year-old is gearing up for the 2024-25 campaign with renewed vigor and a constantly evolving role on the field.
A Career at Right-Back
Alexander-Arnold spent much of his career as a right-back, a position that allowed him to showcase his attacking flair and defensive capabilities. His journey at Liverpool has been full of memorable moments, from his first Premier League start in January 2017 against Manchester United to his influential performances in key matches. His 2018-19 season was particularly noteworthy as he registered 12 assists, the third-highest in the Premier League, following that with 13 assists the next season, second only to Kevin de Bruyne.
In the 2021-22 campaign, his tally of 12 assists was bettered only by teammate Mohamed Salah, cementing his reputation as one of the league's top playmakers. However, it’s his adaptability and evolution that are most remarkable.
Transition to Midfield
Alexander-Arnold’s transition to midfield has been closely watched. For England, he has played in midfield in six of his last seven starts, a shift that highlights his versatility. Tim Jenkins, a former analyst and assistant coach for Liverpool Under-21s, recalls, "He'd played in midfield in Pep Lijnders' Under-16s, at the base of the diamond. He was right in the middle of the pitch and involved in everything."
Jenkins adds, "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." This foundational experience has enabled Alexander-Arnold to adapt seamlessly to different roles on the pitch.
Jason McAteer, a former Liverpool player, 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."
Performance Metrics
Last season, Alexander-Arnold was in the 99th percentile for shot-creating actions per 90 minutes in Europe’s top five divisions, averaging 5.25 in the Premier League and Europa League. His expected assisted goals per 90 (0.37) and passes attempted (87.71) were also among the highest, reflecting his influence on the game. Additionally, he was in the 98th percentile for progressive passes (8.69).
These statistics exemplify why he is indispensable for Jurgen Klopp's side. Klopp has always valued players who can adapt and excel in multiple roles, and Alexander-Arnold fits this bill perfectly. "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 comments.
Challenges and Adaptations
Despite his impressive credentials, Alexander-Arnold's journey hasn't been without challenges. He was absent for Liverpool's tour of America but made a statement by starting the final pre-season friendly against Sevilla at right-back. His versatility continues to be his greatest asset. "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," says McAteer.
However, his transition to midfield has not been entirely smooth. "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, highlighting the nuances of adapting to midfield roles.
Future Prospects
With his contract expiring in the summer and rumors linking him to Real Madrid, the future seems bright yet uncertain for Alexander-Arnold. As the upcoming season unfolds, fans and analysts will be keen to see how Klopp utilizes his star man. Slot, Liverpool's tactical mind, tends to employ a 4-3-3 or 4-2-1-3 formation, both of which provide Alexander-Arnold with ample opportunities to exploit his hybrid role.
From his early days as a centre-half and full-back to dominating the Premier League as a right-back and now exploring midfield roles, Trent Alexander-Arnold has continually adapted and evolved. As McAteer suggests, "The game has evolved now," and Alexander-Arnold is a testament to this evolution, thriving and excelling in the modern game's demands.
Whatever the future holds, one thing is certain: Trent Alexander-Arnold is a player whose versatility, skill, and determination will continue to make headlines and inspire young footballers around the world.