It’s well-documented how much data is used in football these days.
Data plays a pivotal role in club decision-making, whether guiding recruitment or informing tactical decisions.
But how can data be used to benefit players?
Manchester City’s Kevin De Bruyne and Arsenal’s Ben White have been known to use the wealth of football data to negotiate improved contract terms.
One Premier League player who could equally benefit from such a data exercise is Trent Alexander-Arnold, a Liverpool and England international whose contract is due to expire in the summer.
According to the Capology website, the right-back is currently the third-highest earner on Liverpools books, behind Mo Salah and Virgil van Dijk.
With his deal coming to an end and no confirmation of a renewal finalised, the media have been abuzz with speculation linking the 25-year-old with Real Madrid.
But should the Reds let one of their own depart this summer for nothing or look to keep him at Anfield at all costs?
This data analysis and scout report will assess how Alexander-Arnold fits into new manager Arne Slot’s tactics and determine the value that the England international brings to his team.
We will further analyse what life could be like for the Reds next season if the rumours of Trent Alexander-Arnolds Real Madrid transfer are true.
Where Trent Alexander-Arnold Fits In Arne Slots Tactics
Since Arne Slot was brought in to replace Jürgen Klopp, we’ve provided an extensive analysis of the Dutchman’s tactical approach, which you can read here at Total Football Analysis.
Slot has instilled patient, possession-based football while avoiding the pressing approach that had become synonymous with this Liverpool side in recent years.
A key element of Arne Slot’s coaching style is fluidity on the pitch; he demands positional flexibility from his playing personnel.
This is perfectly exemplified by Alexander-Arnold, who, in addition to covering his more traditional right-back role, will often invert to more central areas of the midfield to give Liverpool an edge in the attacking phases.
A classic example is shown above, where Liverpool have reverted to three at the back to facilitate Alexander-Arnolds taking up a position much higher up the pitch toward the attacking third.
The winger Luis Díaz has inverted inside to a deeper position than what would be considered the norm for a forward player to stretch play out to the right-hand side.
