As Liverpool fans look forward to the 2024-25 season, one familiar name remains at the heart of their excitement and anticipation: Trent Alexander-Arnold. Since making his debut in 2016, Alexander-Arnold has become synonymous with Liverpool's success, recording 310 appearances for the club. Now aged 25, he confronts both familiar and novel challenges as he continues to evolve in his roles on the pitch.
A Versatile Career
Known primarily for his role as a right-back, Alexander-Arnold has consistently demonstrated his versatility. His time with the England national team has seen him transition into midfield roles, starting in that position in six of his last seven games for the Three Lions. This adaptability isn't new; during his youth, he played various positions, including centre-half and full-back. Tim Jenkins, a former analyst and assistant coach for Liverpool Under-21s, recalls, "He'd played in midfield in Pep Lijnders' Under-16s, at the base of the diamond," highlighting Alexander-Arnold's comfort across different areas of the pitch.
Performance Metrics and Contributions
Alexander-Arnold's influence extends beyond his positional flexibility. His performance statistics from recent seasons underscore his exceptional contributions in offensive play. In the 2018-19 Premier League season, he notched 12 assists, ranking him third in the league. The following season, he tallied 13 assists, second only to the likes of Kevin de Bruyne. The trend continued in the 2021-22 campaign with another 12 assists, bested only by teammate Mohamed Salah.
The previous season, his metrics were even more impressive. Alexander-Arnold averaged 5.25 shot-creating actions per 90 minutes, placing him in the 99th percentile among full-backs in Europe's top five divisions. Similarly, he ranked in the 99th percentile for expected assisted goals per 90 (0.37) and passes attempted (87.71). His ability to switch play and execute successful long passes has also been formidable, ranking him third and eighth respectively among Premier League outfielders in these categories.
Injury and Absence from Pre-Season
This season has presented its own set of challenges. Alexander-Arnold was notably absent from Liverpool's tour of America, a crucial pre-season fixture. Nevertheless, he featured in the final pre-season friendly against Sevilla, slotting back into his familiar right-back position. His return was marked by his usual vigor and leadership on the field, essential as his contract is due to expire in the summer. This comes amid rumors linking him to Real Madrid, fueling speculation about his future.
Evolution and Adaptation
Former Liverpool and Republic of Ireland player Jason McAteer has acknowledged the transformation in modern football, particularly the evolving role of 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 explains. This trend suits Alexander-Arnold perfectly, as he has both the physical attributes and technical skills to excel in these demanding roles. "Trent has got that many attributes that you've got to get him into the team," McAteer asserts, underscoring the player's significance.
Tim Jenkins concurs, noting Alexander-Arnold's well-rounded skill set. "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," Jenkins observed. His adaptability and footballing IQ have allowed him to remain influential despite the shifting dynamics of modern football.
Klopp’s tactical flexibility also amplifies Alexander-Arnold’s impact on the field. Jenkins remembers Klopp’s instructions: "Sometimes Trent will be on the outside; sometimes he'll be on the inside – wherever he is, he’s just going to be Trent."
The Path Forward
As Liverpool embark on another campaign, Alexander-Arnold remains a cornerstone for Jürgen Klopp's side. His ability to seamlessly transition between defense and midfield, combined with his offensive contributions, make him a crucial asset. While uncertainties loom regarding his contract and potential moves, one thing is clear: Trent Alexander-Arnold continues to be an integral part of Liverpool's present and future.