Trent Alexander-Arnold, a pivotal figure in Liverpool's recent successes, faces an uncertain future as his contract with the club is set to expire at the end of this season. Alexander-Arnold came through the youth academy at Liverpool, making his senior debut at the age of just 18 back in 2016. Now, under the direction of Jurgen Klopp, he’s become one of the Premier League’s deadliest playmakers. His efforts have helped to lay the groundwork for Liverpool to win the title and remain competitive in the league over the past few years. Alexander-Arnold is an extraordinarily rare talent at just creating goal-scoring chances. His possible exit might be felt especially deeply on the tactical end, as he’s one of the reasons players like Mohamed Salah are thriving in their positions.
A Playmaker Par Excellence
Alexander-Arnold has revolutionised the modern full-back. So much so that since his debut in December 2016, only Kevin De Bruyne has created more chances than him of any Premier League player. He’s created the most passes into the opposing box with a whopping 2,593 – 805 more than his nearest competitor. He’s got unparalleled ability to switch play. Since Opta began tracking this data in the 2017/18 season, he’s completed 400 switches—nearly twice as many as anyone else.
His creative powers are on display in open play and set-pieces alike. Together, since the beginning of the 2018/19 season, he ranks sixth among Premier League players in chances created from open play and third in chances created from set-pieces. His unique skillset puts him at the core of Liverpool’s approach. He is the most important player on the right sided 3, forming a connector piece between the back 3 and the front 3.
Integral to Liverpool's Success
Whether or not under the management of Arne Slot, Alexander-Arnold’s role in Liverpool’s title charge has been fundamental. He masterfully weaves different plays and formations together, seamlessly creating explosive offense. This aptitude helps those around him as well. Secondly, he’s made 100 key passes, or chances created, for Mohamed Salah to maybe finish. As a result, he is Salah’s most prolific chance creator in the Premier League this season. This tandem sets the stage for just how fundamental he’s been to Liverpool’s attacking shape.
Alexander-Arnold himself credits much of his success to the synergy he’s able to establish with his teammates.
"Just because of how long we've known each other and how long we've played together, our bond and connection, especially on the pitch," he noted.
Though unique, such a bond is perhaps most visible in the way they work together and read each other’s minds across the pitch.
"Even though we could so many times, we never moan at each other. We just know each other's style of play," he added.
Such chemistry has been vital in maintaining Liverpool’s competitive edge.
Statistical Dominance
Those numbers only reinforce just how essential Alexander-Arnold has been to Liverpool’s success. His cumulative expected assists total of 16 puts him 13 clear of ex-teammate Sadio Mane. That’s almost twice the odds of any other Liverpool player, with Andrew Robertson next in line at 51. These numbers illustrate not only his creative genius, but his consistent quality of work for several decades.
Furthermore, Alexander-Arnold averages less than half as many expected assists per 90 minutes as others in similar positions, according to Opta. He is less explosive and less inclined to enter the area in front of him during overlaps. Instead, it’s that he actually completes a lot less crosses than other players. This one-of-a-kind skill set has paradoxically made him Liverpool’s most vital cog in their tactical machine.
The Implications of His Departure
With the prospect of Alexander-Arnold’s departure, several important issues should dictate Liverpool’s approach moving forward. His exit would require a huge reconfiguration of defensive and offensive blueprints. The team now has the daunting task of finding a replacement who can come close to his level of creative output and tactical acumen. This will be a difficult job given his remarkable accomplishments and impact.
Moreover, without Alexander-Arnold's contributions, players like Mohamed Salah may find themselves adjusting to new playing dynamics that could affect their performance. Salah has blossomed under Alexander-Arnold’s eye-popping vision. More importantly, his precise passes consistently create scoring opportunities for Salah.
Leave a Reply