In Liverpool’s recent clash against Brighton, Trent Alexander-Arnold delivered an impressive defensive performance, tallying nine tackles and winning 12 duels, helping secure Liverpool's second victory over Brighton in a week.
While Alexander-Arnold has often been critiqued for his defensive shortcomings, I believe he can significantly contribute to the team's attacking play through a variety of progressive passes aimed at creating goals.
Regardless of managers working with him, including Arne Slot, former England manager Gareth Southgate, and interim manager Lee Carsley, each has sought ways to alleviate his defensive pressure while capitalizing on his abilities to initiate play and distribute the ball effectively.
However, this season marks a shift for Alexander-Arnold as he focuses on altering the perception of his defensive capabilities.
Strong Defensive Performances This Season
In a recent match against Chelsea, Alexander-Arnold recorded four tackles and four clearances, showcasing his growing defensive prowess.
He maintained this momentum during the Brighton encounter, particularly in his matchup against Kaoru Mitoma, an agile and dangerous winger known for his dribbling skills that he was humiliated by. Alexander-Arnold expanded his coverage area to contain Mitoma's advances into the box.
In addition to his duel with the Japanese international, Alexander-Arnold displayed fearlessness against other opponents. Notably, in the 54th minute, he effectively contained Pervis Estupiñán, provoking the Ecuadorian’s frustration in the process.
A fun fact from this match: Alexander-Arnold became the first player to achieve a big chance creation and record over nine tackles in a single Premier League match since 2021 when he made the same achievement by himself.
How Slot is Transforming TAA’s Defensive Game
This season, Alexander-Arnold has significantly increased his defensive actions, currently ranking 8th in the league for tackles.
Another key improvement in his game is the reduced frequency of being dribbled past, highlighting his enhanced positioning and anticipation skills that enable him to effectively challenge opposing attackers.
One of the pivotal aspects of TAA’s development under Slot has been the personalized approach in training, including video sessions focused on his defensive positioning.
Reflecting on one of these sessions, Trent said he was "blown away" by how Slot could suggest a way to improve his defensive look concisely.
The arrival of Arne Slot as head coach has been crucial in Alexander-Arnold's defensive transformation. Slot’s meticulous attention to detail and regular one-on-one meetings have pinpointed areas for growth and facilitated tactical adjustments.
With the structure provided by the coaching staff and Slot's guidance, Alexander-Arnold is gaining confidence in fulfilling his primary responsibilities as a left-back, successfully shifting the narrative from being labeled a fragile defender to being a solid one on the pitch.