At just 20 years old, Trent Alexander-Arnold had already etched his name into Liverpool history.
With the game clock showing 78:10 during a 2019 Champions League semi-final against Barcelona, Liverpool was mounting yet another celebrated comeback. Spotting Barcelona’s defensive disarray at a corner kick, Alexander-Arnold quickly executed a clever pass to Divock Origi, who scored to level the match. This pivotal moment helped Liverpool secure their spot in the final, where they triumphed over Tottenham Hotspur to capture their sixth European title.
Success followed for Liverpool in the ensuing years, clinching two Premier League titles and another Champions League final appearance in 2022, solidifying their status as one of Europe’s elite clubs since the late 2010s. Alexander-Arnold played a crucial role in this success, consistently ranking among the top players in the Premier League from 2018 until the recent season. His remarkable ability to create plays both in open play and from set pieces has been a game-changer.
Despite his outstanding contributions for nearly a decade, that era came to a close as he moved on from Merseyside after his contract ended, seeking a fresh challenge with Real Madrid. His time with the Spanish club began with a Club World Cup appearance, where they decisively defeated Paris Saint-Germain in the semi-finals, providing an early glimpse into his potential impact in La Liga.
Before diving into what lies ahead, it’s essential to reflect on Alexander-Arnold’s journey that brought him to this moment.
Early Development
The Liverpool team Jurgen Klopp inherited was vastly different from the successful squad that emerged under his leadership. Initially, Klopp’s Liverpool played a more traditional style of “heavy metal football” reminiscent of his Borussia Dortmund days, focusing on pressing opponents aggressively to quickly reclaim possession and mitigate counterattacks.
2:34
What Alonso needs to make the most of Alexander Arnold
Gab & Juls comment on Trent Alexander Arnold’s debut at the Club World Cup with Real Madrid.
In those formative months, quickly shifting from defense to attack was paramount for creating scoring chances. Klopp emphasized that regaining possession quickly was critical, and players like Joe Allen were crucial through their energy and tactical intelligence during this transitional phase.
Some electrifying Premier League moments showcased Liverpool’s attacking prowess, including a thrilling 5-4 victory against Manchester City in the 2015-16 season and remarkable performances against Arsenal. However, the team often struggled to penetrate defensively rigid opponents, which cost them valuable points in the league.
As the team developed, both personnel and tactics had to evolve to overcome these challenges and achieve greater domestic success.
The Impact of Alexander-Arnold
As Liverpool flourished through the latter part of the 2010s, their offense was bolstered by shrewd signings and a bit of fortune. The club acquired talented players like Roberto Firmino, Sadio Mane, and Mohamed Salah at relatively low costs. The addition of Andrew Robertson in 2017 yielded immediate benefits, while Alexander-Arnold emerged from the academy, consistently contributing on the pitch. This combination laid the foundation for one of the most exciting attacking units in Europe.
Along with these acquisitions, Liverpool shifted their strategy, with Mane and Salah benefiting from the overlapping runs of Robertson and Alexander-Arnold, pushing upfield as wide players when the team was in a settled formation. The midfield, consisting of Fabinho, Jordan Henderson, and Gini Wijnaldum, filled in the spaces left behind by defenders like Virgil van Dijk. This tactical setup helped propel Liverpool to success from 2018 to 2020, with the midfield playing a larger offensive role from 2021 to 2023 when Thiago Alcantara joined.
A glimpse into Alexander-Arnold’s influence can be seen in the staggering number of crosses completed by Liverpool during this period. He ranked among the highest in the league for assists and key passes from 2019 to 2025, showcasing his vital role in the team’s attack.
Alexander-Arnold belongs in a rare class of fullbacks who can deliver incisive crosses with the precision reminiscent of legends like David Beckham. His ability to exploit space from deeper areas distinguishes him from contemporaries like Kevin De Bruyne, who often focuses on making key offensive runs.
More than just a defender, Alexander-Arnold’s skill in switching play has been a valuable asset. While his off-the-ball movements might not match his peers, he excels at making himself available for quick transitions, which has elevated Liverpool’s attacking gameplay over the years.
Although progressive dribbling and ball-carrying aren’t his primary traits, his passing precision has always been his forte, evident in the heatmap data from 2019 to 2022, highlighting his impactful positioning on the pitch.
During this period, Alexander-Arnold’s unique skill set melded seamlessly with Liverpool’s audacious attacking style, allowing Mane and Salah to exploit their exceptional abilities from various angles.
Inverted Fullback Experiment
A notable shift occurred towards the end of the 2022-23 season when Liverpool experienced a decline in form, ultimately missing out on Champions League qualification, a first since Klopp took charge in 2015. Opponents developed game plans to counter Liverpool’s traditional attacks, and midfield fatigue affected their performance.
In response, Klopp made the intriguing decision to adopt a more centrally focused role for Alexander-Arnold within a double pivot, a tactic aimed at asserting control over games. This positional change allowed Liverpool to overload centrally, helping to break defensive lines and create transition opportunities.
The results were immediate; from March onwards, Liverpool’s performance improved, and they finished the season strongly. The following 2023-24 campaign held promise, with Liverpool at the center of the title race. A lack of injuries and improved form could see them clinch their 20th league title sooner than anticipated.
A key takeaway from Alexander-Arnold’s adaptation to the role was his ability to balance a defensive focus with his attacking instincts. While players like Oleksandr Zinchenko might prioritize possession retention, Alexander-Arnold maintained a more direct approach, using long-range passes to create transitional moments aligning with the team’s style of play.
Return to Familiar Roles
In the 2024-25 season, Alexander-Arnold returned to his traditional position, predominantly operating from the right flank and being more selective about when to roam centrally.
Under new manager Arne Slot, Liverpool adopted a more controlled style compared to Klopp’s tenure, focusing on midfield build-up with fewer counter-attacks. Alexander-Arnold frequently found himself as the most advanced player in the back four, a change from prior formations.
However, this shift meant his offensive contributions diminished, as others took on greater responsibilities. Nevertheless, he still had key moments that influenced games—providing crucial assists that showcased his passing flair.
While Slot’s tactical adjustments mitigated some of Alexander-Arnold’s defensive liabilities, they have brought their challenges, shifting focus from his usual offensive brilliance.
New Chapters in Spain
With Trent’s transition to Real Madrid, fans were left wondering how he would fit into the team under Xabi Alonso. Alonso’s philosophy emphasizes control and adaptability, aiming to exploit player strengths for optimal performance.
The initial synergy between Alexander-Arnold, Vinícius Júnior, and Kylian Mbappé sparked interest as they each excel in manipulating defensive lines. Alexander-Arnold’s width complements their attacking threats while Federico Valverde’s presence aids in defensive coverage.
Alexander-Arnold’s early games with Madrid revealed both potential and struggle. He occasionally faltered in build-up play and faced challenges with simpler passes, underscoring the adaptation hurdles ahead.
Overall, Alexander-Arnold’s involvement with Real Madrid highlights both the challenges and opportunities of adapting to a new league and style. His notable crossing ability remained evident during matches, yet the slower rhythm and fewer chaotic moments deprived him of the dynamism he displayed in the Premier League.
Although Alexander-Arnold had illuminating moments during the Club World Cup, including a crucial assist, the need for further adaptation remains apparent as he settles into his role.
1:34
Gareth Bale discusses Mbappé’s criticism for Real Madrid’s lack of trophies.
Bale offers insights on helping Xabi Alonso maximize the talents of Kylian Mbappé and others.
A Lasting Legacy and Future in Madrid
In recent seasons, Trent Alexander-Arnold has established himself as one of the premier players in world soccer. Rarer still is a fullback who doubles as a playmaker, orchestrating one of the most dynamic offenses in recent memory at Liverpool. While he has faced criticism for his defensive lapses, his contributions in attack have solidified his value, as evidenced by consistent recognition in advanced metrics.
Real Madrid hopes to harness this impactful playmaking talent following a season that fell short of expectations. Integrating a player of his caliber into their lineup should ideally enhance their tactical framework.
Maximizing Alexander-Arnold also demands the creation of more chaotic scenarios, which favor his strengths, but sharpens the challenges of playing in La Liga’s more deliberate style. Striking the right balance between controlled possession and offensive fluidity will define Alonso’s era at Real Madrid.
As Alexander-Arnold embarks on his new journey in Spain, fans are eager to see if he can replicate his illustrious successes at Liverpool in a different environment. Leaving the Premier League as one of the all-time greats presents high expectations, as he now aims to shine at Real Madrid in La Liga.
Fan Take: This high-profile transfer not only marks a new chapter in Alexander-Arnold’s career but also highlights the increasing global appeal of La Liga, where tactical play and creativity are elevating the sport’s competitive spirit. As he joins a club with such a rich history, fans will be watching closely to see how he adapts and whether he can continue to redefine the role of a fullback on the biggest stage.
