Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold is already a shoo-in for every Young Player of the Year award in the country. But the accolades shouldn’t just stop there.
Alexander-Arnold has become a more pivotal part of Liverpool as he has seen an increase in touches compared to that of last season. With the increased responsibility, the youngster has had an uptick in almost every playmaking stat like chances created, key passes, shot assists and xA.
He has also tied his single-season record for most Premier League assists from a defender—and there are still nine games left to play this season.
It is clear that Trent Alexander-Arnold has become one of the more important members of the team. He has blossomed into the main creative outlet outside of the ferocious front three.
Oftentimes, it seems like the play going forwards is directed through him as he regularly provides the crucial balls in Liverpool’s attack. The best example of the Scouser’s influence came against Leicester City away in late December.
The Foxes had no answer for Trent that day as he went on to assist two goals and even score one himself in a vital victory for the Reds. Furthermore, the 21-year-old’s effortless ability to switch play to the other flank is critical to Liverpool’s style of play.
🤩 Yes, @trentaa98 🤩
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) April 2, 2020
All of TAA's @premierleague assists back to back 🔥 pic.twitter.com/Z1l2jDsKgj
Alexander-Arnold’s perfect marriage to Jurgen Klopp’s system has been a key reason for Liverpool’s success.
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However, as great as Trent has been in open play, his biggest influence this season has been on set-pieces. In fact, half of the young Scouser’s goal contributions this season have come directly from a set-piece.
This has led to the Reds leading the Premier League in goals from set-pieces. Liverpool’s new-found threat from corners and free-kicks has added an extra dimension to their game and is fundamental to them winning at a historic rate.
The only area of criticism for Trent Alexander-Arnold is on the defensive side, where he ranks in the bottom half of right-backs in the Premier League. Fortunately for Trent, he is surrounded by the best defense in the league so his flaws aren’t too exposed.
However, he is still only 21-years-old so his awareness and decision-making skills on defense will only improve with experience.
But for the time being, the Scouser is earning his money on the attacking end. There are few fullbacks and even wingers that can make an impact like Trent Alexander-Arnold on the right flank.
He has revolutionized the role of the fullback while also fueling the Reds to a historic season. For this, his name should be mentioned alongside Jordan Henderson and Sadio Mane in contention for Player of the Year.