Trent Alexander-Arnold's Evolution: From Young Talent to Versatile Playmaker
Trent Alexander-Arnold’s journey from a local Liverpool talent to one of the Premier League's standout players is nothing short of remarkable. Since making his debut in 2016, Alexander-Arnold has accumulated over 310 appearances for Liverpool, consistently demonstrating his unique blend of technical skill and tactical awareness.
At just 25 years old, Alexander-Arnold is already preparing for Liverpool's 2024-25 campaign, having spent much of his career in the right-back position. However, his versatility has become increasingly apparent. Initially a full-back under Michael Beale in the Under-15s and shown adaptability when playing as a centre-half, Alexander-Arnold’s role evolved considerably through the age groups. 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. He was right in the middle of the pitch and involved in everything.”
This positional fluidity has only expanded over time. More recently, Alexander-Arnold has been deployed in midfield for England in six of his last seven starts, underscoring his capacity to influence games from different areas of the pitch. Jason McAteer, former Liverpool and Republic of Ireland player, observes this shift: "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."
During his formative years, Alexander-Arnold was known for creating opportunities from wide positions. Jenkins reflects, "If you look at the assists from earlier in his career, they came from wide. 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."
It’s not just in domestic competitions where Alexander-Arnold has shone. His performances in the Premier League have been outstanding, registering 12 assists in the 2018-19 season and surpassing that with 13 assists the following season. His ability to create opportunities is unmatched, ranking in the 99th percentile for shot-creating actions per 90 minutes in Europe's top five divisions and echoing the same statistical superiority in expected assisted goals and passes attempted.
Despite his offensive contributions, questions about his defensive attributes have persisted. McAteer candidly discusses these concerns: "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."
Yet, many believe that Alexander-Arnold's hybrid role, which allows him to switch between full-back and midfield positions seamlessly, maximizes his strengths. Jenkins supports this view, stating, “I think that hybrid full-back role is still his best position, where he can roll into the inside of the pitch. He can be a full-back when you haven't got the ball and a midfielder when you have."
Alexander-Arnold’s significance to Liverpool extends beyond his positional versatility. His tactical awareness and playmaking ability make him an indispensable asset for Jürgen Klopp's squad. Jenkins recounts, "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 Liverpool gear up for the new season, Alexander-Arnold’s potential transfer news has also sparked discussions. With his contract set to expire next summer, he has been linked with a move to Real Madrid, sparking speculation about his future with the club he’s called home for his entire career thus far. Absent from Liverpool’s tour of America but starting in the final pre-season friendly against Sevilla at right-back, the coming months may provide more clarity on his future.
From taking his first Premier League steps in a 1-1 draw against Manchester United in January 2017 to being a creative dynamo ranking in the top percentiles across various metrics, Alexander-Arnold’s journey reflects his growth and unparalleled contribution to the game. His story is a testament to his adaptability, skill, and the ever-evolving demands of modern football where talent needs to be ever-ready to meet tactical changes head-on.