A Look at Trent Alexander-Arnold's Evolution: From Right-Back to Midfield Maestro
Trent Alexander-Arnold, Liverpool's prodigious talent, has become synonymous with versatility, having displayed an extraordinary ability to adapt across various positions on the pitch. Since making his debut in 2016, he has amassed an impressive 310 appearances for Liverpool, becoming a vital cog in Jurgen Klopp's machine. As Alexander-Arnold prepares for Liverpool's 2024-25 campaign, his journey exemplifies a blend of technical prowess and tactical intelligence.
Rising Through Liverpool's Ranks
Alexander-Arnold's evolution as a player can be traced back to his youth days under different managers at Liverpool's academy. According to Tim Jenkins, a former analyst and assistant coach for Liverpool Under-21s, "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." Jenkins recalls that in the Under-15s age group, under Michael Beale, he had played as a centre-half and full-back. This foundational versatility laid the groundwork for his adaptability.
At the Under-18 level, Neil Critchley helped Alexander-Arnold exploit his physical attributes, playing him as a right winger or right full-back. "He started to help him use his physical attributes a bit," Jenkins adds. By the time he joined the Under-21s, Alexander-Arnold was on the cusp of first-team football, impressing Klopp with his performances from the right.
"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," Jenkins elaborates, bringing to light the significant impact of these early displays. It wasn't long after that he made his League debut.
Outstanding Midfield Performances
While Alexander-Arnold's development as a right-back has been spectacular, recent performances have showcased his capabilities in midfield, especially for England. In six of his last seven starts for the national team, he has played in midfield. This shift is a testament to his unique skill set, which has been nurtured and refined over the years.
Jason McAteer, a former Liverpool player, acknowledges the complexity of modern full-back roles: "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's observation aligns with Alexander-Arnold's evolving responsibilities on the pitch, adapting seamlessly to the changing demands of contemporary football.
In the 2021-22 season, Alexander-Arnold recorded 12 assists, second only to Mohamed Salah in the Premier League. His assist numbers underscore his creative prowess from wide areas. However, his ability to operate inside the half-space and deliver from there indicates his adaptability. "More recently, he's been able to move inside into the half-space and deliver from there," Tim Jenkins notes, highlighting his remarkable transition.
Last season, Alexander-Arnold's statistical output further cemented his status as an elite playmaker. His average of 5.25 shot-creating actions per 90 minutes in the Premier League and Europa League ranked in the 99th percentile among full-backs. Additionally, he was 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).
Future Prospects Amid Contract Uncertainty
As speculation swirls around his future, with links to Real Madrid and a contract expiration looming this summer, Alexander-Arnold's next move remains a topic of keen interest. Despite the rumors, his commitment to Liverpool has never wavered, as evidenced by his starting role in the final pre-season friendly against Sevilla.
Tim Jenkins believes that Alexander-Arnold's best position is still within the hybrid role, oscillating between full-back and midfield. "He can be a full-back when you haven't got the ball and a midfielder when you have," Jenkins asserts, encapsulating the dynamic nature of Alexander-Arnold's skill set. Klopp's approach further supports this view: "Sometimes Trent will be on the outside, sometimes he'll be on the inside – wherever he is, he’s just going to be Trent."
Alexander-Arnold's ability to read the game, paired with his passing genius and creative flair, guarantees that he will continue to be an integral part of any team he plays for. Whether at Liverpool or another top club, his evolution from a promising youngster to a world-class player is a journey that epitomizes hard work, adaptability, and raw talent.