Liverpool is set for significant changes next season, and one major question looms large: what will become of Trent Alexander-Arnold? With Jurgen Klopp’s departure and the appointment of Arne Slot as the new manager, the fate of Liverpool’s star right-back hangs in the balance. Could this managerial change signal the end of Alexander-Arnold’s time at Anfield?

Trent Alexander-Arnold: An Enigmatic Talent

Trent Alexander-Arnold is a player of immense talent with a unique skill set that has made him one of the world’s best in certain aspects. He excels in passing, set pieces, and offensive contributions, often acting as a vital cog in Liverpool’s attack. However, his defensive abilities have been a point of contention. Jurgen Klopp’s system compensated for these defensive shortcomings, allowing Alexander-Arnold to thrive.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Alexander-Arnold’s strengths lie in his offensive prowess. He is a world-class passer, a set-piece enthusiast, and can score from various positions. These attributes make him invaluable in an attacking sense. However, his defensive weaknesses are glaring. Opinions vary on whether his defensive issues stem from a lack of interest or ability, but the consensus is clear: he is not a strong defender.

Klopp’s system mitigated these weaknesses by leveraging the defensive strength of players like Virgil van Dijk, allowing Alexander-Arnold more freedom to focus on attacking. The question now is whether Arne Slot will adopt a similar approach or demand more defensive responsibility from him.

The Coaching Change: Arie Slot vs. Ruben Amorim

The managerial change at Liverpool is a pivotal factor in determining Alexander-Arnold’s future. Arne Slot, known for his 4-2-3-1 system, requires full-backs to contribute defensively. This contrasts sharply with Ruben Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 system, which seemed tailored to Alexander-Arnold’s strengths. Amorim’s system uses three center-backs, allowing wing-backs to play higher up the pitch and focus more on attacking, a role Alexander-Arnold would excel in.

Slot’s system will demand defensive duties from Alexander-Arnold, potentially limiting his effectiveness. This strategic shift begs the question: is it time for Liverpool to consider moving him to a different position or even to a different club?

Potential Alternatives and Future Prospects

Liverpool has a promising alternative in Connor Bradley, a young right-back with solid defensive capabilities. Bradley’s emergence could see him stepping into the first team, allowing Alexander-Arnold to either adjust to a new role or seek opportunities elsewhere.

A Move to Midfield?

One intriguing option is shifting Alexander-Arnold to a midfield role, where his passing and offensive skills could be fully utilized without the heavy defensive burden. This role has been tested by Gareth Southgate with the England team, though primarily against weaker opponents. The challenge would be to see if he can perform consistently against top-tier competition in this position.

Even in a double-pivot formation like Slot has used at Feyenoord, Alexander-Arnold would still have certain defensive responsibilities. Keeping him in the center of the pitch would offer him a certain level of support that he doesn’t have out wide, and being one of two holding midfielders gives him additional freedom to progress the ball forward and join the attack. But it’s still a position with defensive responsibilities that he’s shown little interest or ability in handling.

Transfer Possibilities

If Liverpool decides to sell, Alexander-Arnold would command a substantial transfer fee. Clubs employing systems that maximize his strengths, such as Bayer Leverkusen under Xabi Alonso or Crystal Palace under Oliver Glasner, could be potential destinations. However, finding a club of Liverpool’s caliber using such a system will be a challenge. Real Madrid, for instance, does not currently employ a system that suits his style.

An inability to find a club that Alexander-Arnold believes is up to his station as a player while also employing a 3-4-2-1 system to benefit his skill set could torpedo any potential transfers.

What Should Liverpool Do?

The decision on Alexander-Arnold comes down to two factors: 1) does Arne Slot believe he can play in the defensive midfield? And if not 2) would Alexander-Arnold accept a move to a club that better fits his strengths?

The answers to these questions remain to be seen, but it appears Alexander-Arnold’s days as non-defending fullback in a four-back set may be numbered.