Trent Alexander-Arnold's Evolution and Versatility: A Deep Dive
Since his debut in 2016, Trent Alexander-Arnold has become a cornerstone for Liverpool, amassing 310 appearances and consistently showcasing his remarkable versatility. As the 25-year-old prepares for Liverpool's 2024-25 campaign, his evolution as a player has been nothing short of fascinating.
Most fans recognize Alexander-Arnold for his impressive tenure at right-back. His contributions in this position have been substantial, with highlights such as his 12 assists in the 2018-19 Premier League season and 13 assists the following season, second only to Kevin de Bruyne. Notably, in the 2021-22 campaign, his assist tally was bettered only by Mohamed Salah, further cementing his status as a key playmaker.
However, his prowess isn't limited to the defensive flanks. In recent times, Alexander-Arnold has been showcasing his skills in midfield for England, having played in this role in six of his last seven starts. This transition isn't entirely new for him. As Tim Jenkins, a former Liverpool Under-21s analyst and assistant coach, recalls, "He'd played in midfield in Pep Lijnders' Under-16s, at the base of the diamond." Jenkins elaborated that Alexander-Arnold was "right in the middle of the pitch and involved in everything," highlighting his adaptability even from a young age.
Jenkins vividly remembers Alexander-Arnold’s journey through Liverpool's youth ranks. Initially playing as a center-half and full-back for Michael Beale in the Under-15s age group, he moved into more advanced roles. "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 noted.
His transition to the first team came with memorable moments. "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," Jenkins reminisced. This performance was a precursor to Alexander-Arnold’s first-team debut in the League Cup shortly after.
Alexander-Arnold's impressive on-field statistics from last season further underline his multifaceted talent. Ranking in the 99th percentile among full-backs in Europe's top five divisions for shot-creating actions per 90 minutes (5.25), expected assisted goals per 90 (0.37), and passes attempted (87.71), his playmaking ability is evident. His ranking in the 98th percentile for progressive passes (8.69) and eighth among outfielders in the Premier League for total successful long passes (147) illustrates his vision and distribution skills.
Despite his offensive contributions, there has been discourse around his defensive capabilities. Jason McAteer, former Liverpool and Republic of Ireland player, suggested that the modern game demands more from full-backs. "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," McAteer explained.
McAteer highlighted Alexander-Arnold’s continuous development, emphasizing that his attributes make him indispensable for Liverpool. "You've got to get him into the team. You look at Trent now and he's grown up, he's evolved," said McAteer, acknowledging both the strengths and weaknesses in Alexander-Arnold’s game.
While the discussion about his best position persists, Tim Jenkins believes in a balanced approach. "I think that hybrid full-back role is still his best position, where he can roll into the inside of the pitch," Jenkins commented. Klopp's strategic flexibility with Alexander-Arnold reflects this sentiment, as he sometimes places him on the outside and other times on the inside, allowing the player to excel wherever he is positioned.
In summary, Trent Alexander-Arnold's journey from a young talent in Liverpool's academy to a pivotal player in one of the world's most competitive football leagues is marked by his adaptability, vision, and continuous growth. As he gears up for another season, both club and country will look forward to benefiting from his unique skill set, whether he's orchestrating play from the back or anchoring the midfield.