Liverpool can’t control everything – such as refereeing and the opinions of the Premier League officials – but Arne Slot’s side are doing everything within their power to flourish this season.
Jurgen Klopp’s era is no more. Many of those who are not of a Liverpool persuasion will have been cavorting over the German’s decision to step down after nine illustrious years, but Liverpool have only gone from strength to strength since the summer and have taken the frustrating tag of the early title favourites.
A silver-laden finish would be brilliant this season, but the Reds faithful will want an age of lasting success and in order to achieve that, the non-commital trio of Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold must pen new deals.
Salah and Van Dijk are into their 30s but still certainly world-class, however, Alexander-Arnold is stepping into the prime of his career and is a Scouse-born superstar. Losing him is inconceivable, but with Real Madrid eager, very possible all the same.
Trent Alexander-Arnold's defensive improvement
Alexander-Arnold has completed 325 appearances for his boyhood club, a key part in the golden modern age, notably lifting the Premier League and Champions League.
One of football’s finest technicians, Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher has remarked that “it’s like having Kevin De Bruyne playing at right-back,” such is the influence that he projects from the right flank.
As per FBref, Alexander-Arnold ranks among the top 18% of full-backs across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for goals scored, the top 12% for assists, the top 4% for passes attempted, the top 3% for shot-creating actions and the top 2% for progressive passes per 90. The spread of his quality is near unparalleled.
A pass is considered progressive if the distance between the starting point and the next touch is at least 10 meters closer to the opponent’s goal or any completed pass into the penalty area.
What’s more, though, the Liverpudlian is beginning to refine the seemingly lesser facets of his skill set; Slot’s arrival to the dugout has given rise to a new-found defensive ability.
2024/25
3.5
0.9
3.9 (55%)
0
2023/24
2.5
1.5
2.7 (44%)
5
2022/23
2.7
1.0
2.5 (50%)
2
2021/22
2.6
1.0
2.1 (44%)
0
2020/21
3.0
1.2
2.7 (51%)
4
2019/20
2.6
1.8
2.2 (44%)
3
He’s never been more precise in the duel, with greater emphasis on his tackling and interceptions too. Alexander-Arnold’s decreased clearing output is actually a positive pointer too, for it suggests he is crisper in dealing with pressure and less profligate.
He’s one of the best right-backs of his generation and may cement himself within loftier conversations upon retirement. There’s a reason that Real Madrid hold a vested interest in his name.
He’s easily the Anfield side’s finest academy superstar since Steven Gerrard, but whatever the outcome in the ongoing contractual quandary, fans can take a sliver of solace in the fact that Trey Nyoni is the latest to emerge, with the teenager looking to shoot to the top.
5 potential replacements for Trent Alexander-Arnold at Liverpool
Trent Alexander-Arnold will wave his goodbyes to Liverpool in the summer.