Trent Alexander-Arnold's Evolution: From Youth Prodigy to Liverpool Mainstay
Trent Alexander-Arnold's journey at Liverpool has been nothing short of extraordinary. Since making his debut in 2016, the now 25-year-old has racked up 310 appearances for the Merseyside club, showcasing his versatility and growth as a footballer. As he prepares for Liverpool's 2024-25 campaign, Alexander-Arnold's shifting roles and evolving skills continue to capture the imagination of fans and pundits alike.
Early Development and Positional Shifts
Alexander-Arnold's versatility was evident early in his career. "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. Jenkins adds, "He was right in the middle of the pitch and involved in everything." His physical attributes were further honed when he played as a centre-half and full-back for Michael Beale in the Under-15s age group.
As Alexander-Arnold progressed to the Under-18s under Neil Critchley, he began to utilize his physical attributes more effectively, transitioning between roles. "They started to help him use his physical attributes, so he played on the outside as a right winger or a right full-back," Jenkins explains. This multifaceted development paved the way for his seamless transition to senior football.
Breakthrough and Premier League Impact
Alexander-Arnold's first Premier League start came in January 2017 during a 1-1 draw against Manchester United. The 2018-19 season saw him register the third-highest tally of assists in the Premier League with 12 assists, a number surpassed only by Kevin de Bruyne the following season when Trent recorded 13 assists. His creative prowess was further highlighted during the 2021-22 campaign, where his 12 assists were outdone only by Mohamed Salah.
The stats from last season are a testament to his creative and offensive capabilities. An average of 5.25 shot-creating actions per 90 minutes in the Premier League and Europa League placed him in the 99th percentile among full-backs in Europe's top five leagues. Additionally, he ranked in the 99th percentile for expected assisted goals per 90 (0.37) and passes attempted (87.71), and in the 98th percentile for progressive passes (8.69). His long-passing ability was also notable, ranking eighth among outfielders in the Premier League for total successful long passes (147) and third for switches of play (32).
International Duty and Role Versatility
Alexander-Arnold's adaptability extends to his international career with England. He has played in midfield in six of his last seven starts for the national team. Jenkins highlights his capability to adapt: "More recently, he's been able to move inside into the half-space and deliver from there. Trent has had an ideal skill set to adapt to how the game has changed."
Jason McAteer, former Liverpool player, underscores the challenges and expectations of modern 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," he says. McAteer believes Alexander-Arnold embodies these qualities: "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."
Yet, McAteer also emphasizes the defensive vulnerabilities that can arise when playing in a deep-lying midfielder role, especially for England. "His qualities are there to be seen, but you can be exposed. Time and space are your best mates in football," 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."
Looking Ahead
Alexander-Arnold's future remains a topic of intense speculation, with his contract set to expire in the summer and links to Real Madrid surfacing regularly. Despite these uncertainties, his hybrid role as both a full-back and midfielder seems to be his most effective position, providing Liverpool with flexibility and creativity.
Tim Jenkins sums it up fittingly: "He can be a full-back when you haven't got the ball and a midfielder when you have." Klopp’s strategic use of Trent in various positions embodies his importance to the team. As Jenkins puts it, "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."
As the 2024-25 season approaches, Trent Alexander-Arnold stands as a cornerstone of Liverpool’s ambitions, a player whose journey from youth prodigy to seasoned professional illustrates the essence of modern football. His adaptability and skill ensure he remains central to Liverpool's hopes and dreams.