The Evolution and Influence of Trent Alexander-Arnold: A Dynamic Force in Modern Football
Since his debut in 2016, Trent Alexander-Arnold has become an indispensable part of Liverpool's squad, amassing 310 appearances for the club. As the team prepares for the 2024-25 campaign, the 25-year-old continues to redefine his role on the field, blending traditional defensive duties with exceptional offensive contributions.
A Right-Back with Versatility
Primarily known for his position at right-back, Alexander-Arnold has recently been deployed in midfield for England in six of his last seven starts. His adaptability draws from a varied developmental path in Liverpool's youth system. Tim Jenkins, 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. He was right in the middle of the pitch and involved in everything.”
This versatility is not a recent development. Before the Under-16s, Alexander-Arnold played as a centre-half and full-back for Michael Beale in the Under-15s. Jenkins highlights his seamless transitions among roles, demonstrating his aptitude for adjusting to different tactical demands.
Rising Through the Ranks
In January 2017, Alexander-Arnold made his first Premier League start in a 1-1 draw with Manchester United. His impact was immediate, and by the 2018-19 season, he had registered the third-highest tally of assists in the Premier League with 12. His next season was even more prolific, tallying 13 assists, second only to Kevin de Bruyne.
Jenkins reminisces about a defining moment early in Alexander-Arnold's career, recalling a pre-season with the first team followed by exceptional performances with the Under-21s. “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.” Such displays of talent led to his first-team debut in the League Cup shortly thereafter.
Adapting to Modern Football
Alexander-Arnold’s role has evolved alongside the modern game's demands. As Jason McAteer, former Liverpool player, articulates, “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.”
This hybrid functionality is evident in Alexander-Arnold’s numbers. 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), expected assisted goals per 90 (0.37), and passes attempted (87.71). His proficiency in progressive passes (8.69) placed him in the 98th percentile.
McAteer notes, “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.” Highlighting his defensive transitions, McAteer insists, “If you see footage of him playing when he was little, he was basically the same player. He’s just adapted his strengths into whatever position he plays.”
Challenges and Future Prospects
Despite his offensive brilliance, Alexander-Arnold has faced criticism concerning his defensive capabilities. “His qualities are there to be seen, but you can be exposed. Time and space are your best mates in football,” comments McAteer. He adds, “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.”
Tim Jenkins provides a perspective on Klopp's usage of Alexander-Arnold, suggesting the hybrid full-back role is still his best position. “He can be a full-back when you haven't got the ball and a midfielder when you have. 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 his contract nears its expiration in the summer, speculation linking him to Real Madrid raises questions about his future. Yet, regardless of where he plays, Alexander-Arnold’s evolution from a youth player to a central figure in modern football remains a testament to his adaptability and enduring talent.