What Liverpool Loses and Real Madrid Gains as Alexander-Arnold Says Goodbye to Anfield

While it may not have been entirely unexpected for Liverpool enthusiasts, Trent Alexander-Arnold’s announcement on Monday nonetheless reverberated throughout the fan community.

Kudos to both the player and the club for successfully maintaining confidentiality until the conclusion of the title race, avoiding any distractions.

Having dedicated his entire career to Liverpool, the heartfelt tone of his farewell speech suggests that his choice to leave was not made lightly. Indeed, there was a palpable sense of emotion in his voice when discussing the next chapter of his journey.

Some may argue this is the worst time for him to depart, especially as Liverpool flourish in the 2024/25 Premier League season. However, the opportunity to join Real Madrid is a rare one that cannot be overlooked.

Thus, it is understandable that Trent wishes to evolve beyond his time at Liverpool, even as questions loom over who will step into his right-back role at the commencement of the 2025/26 season.

Whoever Arne Slot selects for this significant position will indeed have some big shoes to fill.

Trent’s legacy will be a tough act to follow at Liverpool

Throughout the last decade, Trent has made his mark in 348 matches across all competitions, starting in 315 of them—a testament to his consistency. With only 54 losses recorded during this period, his contributions have significantly shaped many Liverpool successes since the 2014/15 season.

Not only has he tallied 85 assists, but he has also scored 22 goals—an impressive feat for a player in a right-back position, even if some argue he could excel in a more advanced role.

Importantly, 15 of those goals have been from outside the box, underscoring his fearless approach when opportunities arise. This propensity for long-range attempts may also help explain why he has struck the woodwork an additional 15 times.

While he could improve his shooting accuracy, which has fallen from a peak of 41.7% in the 2021/22 season to 32% lately, Real Madrid—his likely new club—will undoubtedly seek to enhance this aspect of his game.

His defensive skills will also need attention.

Given Real’s struggles defensively this season, they require players capable of launching forward but also contesting physical battles effectively against their opponents.

Receiving a mere 44 yellow cards over the past decade speaks volumes of his ability to time tackles correctly. Averaging approximately four cards per season is exceptional considering the physicality of the Premier League.

From 2014/15 to 2024/25, Trent’s best tackle success rate in competitions where he made over 10 tackles is 70%. Although this isn’t stellar for a defender, his passing range has significantly improved, potentially allowing other aspects of his game to be overshadowed for the time being.

Passing precision could be invaluable for Real Madrid’s attackers

For an extended period, Trent struggled to achieve pass completion rates above 80%. However, recently, he has consistently recorded pass completion stats in the low to mid-80s.

In future, he will likely be instrumental in delivering precise long balls over LaLiga defences to players such as Vinicius Junior and Kylian Mbappe—an exciting prospect for Real Madrid.

Should his move to Real Madrid be confirmed, Trent will likely face competition for the regular right-back position from the seasoned Dani Carvajal and Lucaz Vazquez, who has recently filled in for Carvajal due to injury.

Although Vazquez is mainly deployed as a winger, he has demonstrated his quality in that capacity. With changes in the coaching staff possible, it may be a matter of time before he returns to a more clearly defined attacking role, possibly leaving him on the sidelines should Trent adapt quickly.

Lucas Vazquez has excelled in his temporary role

Vazquez’s contributions, including a portion of the 38 goals scored and 58 assists provided during his time on the right, showcase his ability within that role. However, should the coaching philosophy shift, Trent’s attacking prowess may be more valued, given his capability to deliver pinpoint passes.

Vazquez boasts a pass accuracy of over 80%—often hitting around 90% in LaLiga this season—which further accentuates Trent’s current deficiencies in this area.

With 412 successful tackles out of 616 attempts over the last ten years, Vazquez’s determination and tenacity would be sorely missed if he is relegated in position.

As one of the most determined defenders, Carvajal’s record of 110 yellow cards since the 2014/15 season speaks volumes. His involvement in 3,204 duels reveals a willingness to engage physically, although he has lost nearly as many as he has won, with 1,518 losses against 1,686 victories.

His impressive 1,799 ball recoveries showcase his commitment, making his experience an asset for Real Madrid, even if his age could present a challenge compared to Trent.

Trent must resist letting the weight of the Real Madrid jersey alter his game

While Carvajal has scored 12 goals, his total assists mirror Vazquez’s at 54. However, both fall short of Trent’s proficiency in creating opportunities for teammates.

Although Carvajal enjoys dribbling, undertaking over 600 attempts, he is seldom found in the attacking spaces; only 681 of his 28,071 touches across the last decade occurred in the opposition penalty area.

If Trent can assert himself deeper into attacking territory, it will certainly benefit a team renowned for having full-backs that contribute as attacking players.

Age is, of course, a factor for both Carvajal and Vazquez, especially regarding their stamina and agility in covering extensive stretches of the pitch. Despite their effort, they simply cannot match the fitness and reflexes of a player seven years their junior.

As long as Trent embraces the responsibility that comes with wearing the prestigious white jersey of one of the world’s premier clubs, he possesses the potential to thrive.