Trent Alexander-Arnold: A Versatile Talent Pushing New Boundaries
Trent Alexander-Arnold has been nothing short of a revelation since breaking into Liverpool’s first team in 2016. As he prepares for the 2024-25 campaign, the 25-year-old has already made 310 appearances for the Reds, showcasing a blend of talent and versatility that few can match.
From his early days in the youth ranks, Alexander-Arnold displayed a unique skill set, evolving through various positions on the pitch. Tim Jenkins, a former analyst and assistant coach for Liverpool Under-21s, recalls watching him develop. "He'd played in midfield in Pep Lijnders' Under-16s, at the base of the diamond," said Jenkins. "He was right in the middle of the pitch and involved in everything."
This versatility has made Alexander-Arnold a valuable asset not just for Liverpool but also for the England national team. Recently, he has featured as a midfielder in six out of his last seven starts for England, displaying his adaptability and football intelligence. Jenkins further noted, "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."
A Journey Defined by Adaptability
During his youth career, Alexander-Arnold's position on the field shifted frequently, reflecting his broad range of capabilities. "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 shared. This pattern of adapting to the team's needs has continued throughout his professional career. Last season, he was 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).
Despite his successes, the latest season was not without its challenges. Alexander-Arnold's defending has been scrutinized, especially when playing in deeper midfield roles. Former player Jason McAteer observed, "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."
The Role of a Modern Full-Back
The expectations for full-backs in modern football have evolved dramatically. "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. Alexander-Arnold embodies this modern paradigm, seamlessly transitioning between roles based on the game's demands. "He can be a full-back when you haven't got the ball and a midfielder when you have," Jenkins added.
Jurgen Klopp, Liverpool's manager, has also recognized Alexander-Arnold's multifaceted playing style. "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 commented on Klopp's outlook.
Impactful Performances
One of Alexander-Arnold's standout attributes is his playmaking ability from wide positions. In the 2018-19 season, he registered 12 assists in the Premier League, a tally bested only by Kevin de Bruyne the following season. Even more impressive is his progress in other areas, such as successful long passes and switches of play. Last season, he ranked eighth among Premier League outfielders for total successful long passes (147) and third for switches of play (32).
Reflecting on his youth career, Jenkins recalled pivotal moments that highlighted Alexander-Arnold's meteoric rise. "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." This ability to rise to occasions has defined his career trajectory.
Recently, rumors have surfaced linking Alexander-Arnold to Real Madrid, given his contract is set to expire in the summer. Regardless of where his future lies, his influence on the game remains undeniable. "Trent has got that many attributes that you've got to get him into the team," McAteer noted. As Liverpool readies itself for the new season, one thing is clear: Trent Alexander-Arnold is a player whose blend of skill, vision, and versatility makes him indispensable.