Trent Alexander-Arnold's Evolution: A Tale of Versatility and Growth
Since his debut in 2016, Trent Alexander-Arnold has made a staggering 310 appearances for Liverpool, establishing himself as a key figure in the squad by the age of 25. As he prepares for the 2024-25 campaign, Alexander-Arnold’s development has been a focal point, reflecting the dynamic nature of modern football.
Early Beginnings and Position Shifts
Trent's journey began in the youth setup, where his roles varied from centre-half to full-back under Michael Beale's guidance in the Under-15s age group. Tim Jenkins, a former analyst and assistant coach for Liverpool Under-21s, recalls, "Before the Under-16s, he'd played as a centre-half and a full-back."
As he progressed to the Under-16s, he transitioned to midfield, playing at the base of the diamond. "He'd played in midfield in Pep Lijnders' Under-16s, and he was right in the middle of the pitch and involved in everything," Jenkins added. This adaptability laid the foundation for his future versatility.
Premier League Debut and Early Success
Alexander-Arnold made his first Premier League start in January 2017, a memorable 1-1 draw against Manchester United. Quickly making a name for himself, he demonstrated his offensive prowess with 12 assists in the 2018-19 season, ranking third in the Premier League. The following season, he improved to 13 assists, trailing only Kevin de Bruyne. His consistency continued in the 2021-22 campaign with another 12 assists, second only to Mohamed Salah among his teammates.
Midfield Experiment with England
Despite being primarily a right-back for Liverpool, Alexander-Arnold has frequently been deployed in midfield for England, starting in that position in six of his last seven international appearances. This experimentation reflects his skill set's flexibility, capable of adapting to various roles on the pitch.
A Season of Statistical Dominance
Last season, Alexander-Arnold showcased his creative capabilities with an average of 5.25 shot-creating actions per 90 minutes in the Premier League and Europa League, placing him in the 99th percentile among full-backs in Europe’s top five divisions. His contributions didn’t stop there; he also ranked in the 99th percentile for expected assisted goals per 90 (0.37) and passes attempted (87.71), and the 98th percentile for progressive passes (8.69).
Jenkins highlighted Trent’s evolution: "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."
Challenges and Criticism
Despite his offensive brilliance, Alexander-Arnold has faced criticism regarding his defensive abilities, especially when placed in a deep-lying midfield role. "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," noted Jenkins.
Jason McAteer, former Liverpool and Republic of Ireland player, weighed in on the modern game's demands: "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 also highlighted the importance of protection for creative players. "In the modern game you need to be protected. I think with England he was hung out to dry a bit."
Future Prospects and Adaptability
As speculation links Alexander-Arnold to a move to Real Madrid, his contract with Liverpool ticking down to its final months adds another layer of intrigue. His versatility remains a significant asset, as noted by Jenkins: "If you see footage of him playing when he was little, he was basically the same player. You'd see all the driving runs, the physical attributes, his ball-striking and his passing over distance. He's just adapted his strengths into whatever position he plays."
In the evolving landscape of football, Trent Alexander-Arnold embodies the modern player's adaptability, excelling across multiple roles and continuing to grow. Whether at Liverpool or potentially elsewhere, his journey promises plenty of excitement and further evolution.