Trent Alexander-Arnold’s Evolution: From Merseyside Prodigy to Midfield Maestro
Trent Alexander-Arnold's journey with Liverpool FC has been nothing short of remarkable. Since making his debut in 2016, the versatile 25-year-old has amassed an impressive 310 appearances for the club as he prepares for Liverpool's 2024-25 campaign. His career, highlighted by stints in both defense and midfield, showcases a player continually adapting and evolving.
Initially carving out his niche as a right-back, Alexander-Arnold has become an essential component in Liverpool's tactical framework. His early days, though, saw the Liverpool prodigy playing multiple roles. "He'd played in midfield in Pep Lijnders' Under-16s, at the base of the diamond," recalls Tim Jenkins, a former analyst and assistant coach for Liverpool Under-21s. "He was right in the middle of the pitch and involved in everything." This versatility was nurtured through the age groups, with roles ranging from center-half and full-back to right-winger under the guidance of coaches like Michael Beale and Neil Critchley.
His breakthrough into the first team wasn’t just a matter of chance but a testament to his hard work and adaptability. Jenkins reflects on a pivotal moment: "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." Following this performance and a similar display against Tottenham, Alexander-Arnold made his debut for the first team in the League Cup shortly after.
Alexander-Arnold’s impact has grown each season. In the 2018-19 season, he registered the third-highest tally of assists in the Premier League with 12, and in the following season, he outdid himself with 13 assists, second only to Kevin de Bruyne. His 2021-22 campaign saw 12 assists, second only to Mohamed Salah, proving his consistent contribution to Liverpool’s attacking prowess.
Last season, he ranked in the 99th percentile among full-backs in Europe's top five divisions for shot-creating actions per 90 minutes (5.25) and expected assisted goals per 90 (0.37). Additionally, his progressive passes (8.69 per 90), total successful long passes (147), and switches of play (32) placed him among the elite in these categories.
Interestingly, Alexander-Arnold's role for England has seen significant changes. Having played in midfield for England in six of his last seven starts, it indicates a broader, more multifaceted role than his traditional spot at right-back. However, his defensive attributes have often been scrutinized. Former professional Jason McAteer observes, "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 became a bit of a scapegoat."
Such scrutiny highlights the complexities associated with Alexander-Arnold's hybrid role. "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 explains. This hybrid role is something Tim Jenkins also advocates for, stating, "I think that hybrid full-back role is still his best position, where he can roll into the inside of the pitch. He can be a full-back when you haven't got the ball and a midfielder when you have."
Alexander-Arnold's contract, set to expire in the summer, has sparked speculation concerning his future, with links to Real Madrid making headlines. Yet, his focus remains on the pitch. His recent performance in the final pre-season friendly against Sevilla, where he started at right-back, underscores his ongoing commitment to Liverpool.
As Liverpool marches into a new season, Trent Alexander-Arnold’s story continues to unfold. His evolution from a young talent at Liverpool's academy to a key player for both club and country signifies a career defined by constant growth and adaptation. Whether he remains at Anfield or seeks new challenges, his unique skill set and footballing intelligence will undoubtedly keep him in the limelight. "Wherever he is, he's just going to be Trent," Jenkins aptly concludes.