The Data Dive - Replacing Trent
Moving On: How can Liverpool replace a player that redefined his position? A look into the 5 stars Liverpool could sign to replace the outgoing Trent Alexander-Arnold.
After months of speculation, false hope, and mixed reactions from the Liverpool fanbase, Trent Alexander-Arnold has announced that he will be leaving Liverpool at the end of the season. The reaction has been one of anger and hurt at the idea that a Scouser - and vice captain of his boyhood club - would leave on a free transfer at the peak of his powers, even though appeal of Real Madrid is understandable.
Trent has expressed his hope that the decision does not cast a dark cloud over what has been a brilliant season for the club. Yet even he must acknowledge that leaving Liverpool in his prime for a team that’s twice beaten the club in Champions League finals in recent years will leave a sour taste in the mouths of a fanbase who supported him through thick and thin.
In truth, it has seemed almost certain that Trent would depart Liverpool since December, when news first broke of Madrid’s strong interest in the England international. In January Madrid saw a derisory £20 million bid rejected out of hand by Liverpool. As many speculated at the time, Madrid would not have submitted a bid for a player they were not absolutely certain wanted to join them.
Nevertheless, certain actions on Trent’s part seemed to indicate that this was all just noise. His celebration after scoring against West Ham United at the end of December gave fans hope that maybe all was not as it seemed. But as months passed and speculation continued to increase, Trent’s silence on the matter only frustrated fans further.
When he returned from injury to score the vital winner against Leicester in late April, his wild celebrations - including hanging his jersey on the corner flag and passionately screaming to the crowd - indicated either anger at the fanbase which had begun to turn on him or a renewed sense of loyalty to the club and its supporters.
Any Liverpool fan who claims they didn’t get their hopes up as the season drew to a close is lying to themselves. Trent followed up his goal against Leicester by joining the celebrations as Liverpool were crowned Premier League champions a week later. At the end of that game, fans were quick to notice that Trent joined his teammates in lapping up the Kop’s love and praise.
As he approached the Kop end, he aggressively tapped the Liverpool badge on his chest. When photos emerged of Trent in conversation with Liverpool owner John W. Henry, the idea that he might stay at the club after all suddenly felt very real.
Unfortunately, time has shown that what Liverpool fans were experiencing was nothing more than false hope. In the days following the title celebrations, respected journalists stressed that Alexander-Arnold was still expected to leave.
The confirmation came on March 5th, when both the club and the player released an interview in which Trent confirmed his decision to leave upon the expiry of his contract. It’s a big blow to the club and its fans - there’s no denying that.
It remains to be seen whether Liverpool will dip into the market for another right back this summer. There’s little doubt that Conor Bradley deserves a chance to earn the starting spot. Liverpool are fortunate to have an internal replacement seemingly ready to step into the shoes of one of the club’s best players in modern history.
However, Bradley has struggled with injury throughout the most recent campaign. With speculation also linking Joe Gomez and Jarell Quansah with moves away, fans will hope Liverpool can identify a player who can rotate with Bradley and help ease the pressure that will inevitably fall on the young man’s shoulders.
So how do you replace a player as unique as Trent Alexander-Arnold? Who could replicate Trent’s output under Arne Slot, while also being willing to share minutes with a promising young player like Bradley? And how much - if anything - should Liverpool spend replacing a player they are losing for nothing? Let’s take a look at the data behind the players Liverpool could target this summer.
Thanks to @Mclachbot and @ChicagoDmitry for the data visuals in this article. Data comes from www.Fbref.com. If you would like to see a part two of the Replacing Trent series please comment below or on our socials!