Trent Alexander-Arnold has made significant progress for Liverpool in 2019/20.
On paper, you’d think it would be tough for Trent Alexander-Arnold to improve on his outstanding 2018/19 campaign, which saw him pick up the UEFA Champions League at just 20 years of age, and featured in the PFA Team of the Year.
He also ended last season with 12 assists from fullback – a then record. Which was broken this season – by himself after assisting Roberto Firmino’s goal against Chelsea.
Going into this season it was clear that he was the first-choice ahead of Joe Gomez, and the eventually departing Nathaniel Clyne.
He started against Norwich at home to begin the campaign, and that would begin his almost ever-present season, where he would play a part in every fixture.
Alexander-Arnold scored his first of the season with a wondrous strike at Stamford Bridge to give Liverpool the lead.
With a Chelsea barricade blocking Kepa’s goal, Mo Salah’s backheel opened up the top right corner. Trent found it sumptuously and celebrated with the FIFA 20 ‘Volta’ symbol.
Months later and with Liverpool still unbeaten, his corner found Sadio Mane in the 94th minute at Villa Park.
Liverpool were trailing 1-0 until the 85th minute, but snatched all three points away from Dean Smith’s men.
After returning from a victorious Club World Cup campaign, Alexander-Arnold would play a critical role in one of the performances of the season, away at Leicester on Boxing Day.
In one of the most confident and outstanding individual performances of the season, Trent picked up two assists – crossing twice for Roberto Firmino in each half and capping off the performance with a deliciously crisp drive into Kasper Schmeichel’s net.
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His play can’t be defined by stats entirely, but there are some staggering numbers which show Alexander-Arnold’s defining influence on the way Liverpool play.
His 3664 touches in the Premier League is more than anyone else, 36 ahead of teammate Virgil van Dijk. He is behind the Dutchman and five others in terms of number of passes.
His 13 assists for the season were only bettered by Man City’s superstar Kevin de Bruyne, who picked up 20.
He is one of only five players to score multiple goals from direct free-kicks this season. The others are Riyad Mahrez, James Ward-Prowse, David Silva and now teammate Harry Wilson.
He completed 82 more crosses than anybody else, with his nearest rival again, de Bruyne.
After the restart, Trent’s creative numbers have dried up in comparison, picking up just two goals and an assist – but, to be honest, this is still quality as Neco Williams featured more in the twilight of the season.
Next season?
More of the same please Trent.
The trajectory tells us that he’ll get 14 assists next season, and you seriously wouldn’t put it past him.
At 21 he will have over 100 Premier League appearances (injury allowing) if he makes just seven outings in the league, making him an experienced player at such a young age.
With his mentality he will continue to improve, want to solidify his EURO 2021 spot and help the Reds retain their Premier League trophy.