In Rio Ferdinand's recent interview with legend David Beckham, he asks him what player today reminds him of himself as a player. Beckham thinks about it and replies, "Alexander-Arnold."
It's true that when you watch Alexander-Arnold, you see that incredible ability to find space and deliver a killer pass or cross with precision and perfect timing. It's not just one technique; it's a driven ball with the laces, an outside-of-the-foot bend or push, and, famously, a 'bend it like Beckham' whip around the ball with the inside of the foot.
Early Career and Rise at Liverpool
Trent made his senior debut for Liverpool in 2016 at just 18 years old under manager Jürgen Klopp. He quickly gained a reputation for his precise crossing, exceptional passing range, and set-piece deliveries, which made him a major creative outlet for the team despite playing in a traditionally defensive position.
His breakthrough came during the 2017–2018 season, when he became a regular starter. That year, Liverpool reached the UEFA Champions League final, and although they lost to Real Madrid, Trent was lauded for his performances throughout the campaign. He helped Liverpool win the Champions League in 2019, playing a pivotal role in the knockout stages, and was instrumental in Liverpool’s Premier League title win in 2020—the club’s first in 30 years.
Achievements
Champions League (2019)
Premier League (2020)
FIFA Club World Cup (2019)
PFA Young Player of the Year (2020)
Multiple appearances in the PFA Team of the Year
Named in the UEFA Team of the Year
What Peers and Managers Say About Him
Jürgen Klopp: "He has incredible vision. Trent has reinvented the full-back position; he is as important to us offensively as our midfielders and forwards."
Gareth Southgate: A "unique player" who offers something different from other right-backs.
Virgil van Dijk: "One of the best crossers of the ball I've ever seen."
Gary Neville: "Trent Alexander-Arnold is one of the best passers of a ball, not just as a full-back, but in world football."
Jordan Henderson: "What sets Trent apart is his mentality. He always wants to improve, and he’s got the talent and ability to do anything he wants in the game."
Passing Skills
You can take your pick of fantastic passes in this video compilation and break them down to mirror and practice. There are two in particular that are very similar and result in fast, pace-filled accuracy and danger for defenders. Crossing the Ball or Free-Kick.
These are mostly from a standing start. Watch how he angles his body/chest away from the target at 90 degrees or more. This forces his left foot to take a position beside the ball with a slight angle towards the target, and his inside right foot connects around the bottom-right side of the ball.
His right foot, leg, and hips whip in an arc around the ball at speed and maintain momentum after the strike, crossing over his left leg and landing in the grass. He has done a full twist from facing away from the target to facing the target and beyond. It is this whip-around motion that helps create the powerful bend in the ball.
When moving with the ball in a dribble or after he has taken a touch and then sees the pass or cross, his technique is the same as above. However, instead of whipping completely around the ball to finish with crossed legs, which would put him off balance, he instead punches harder through the ball with the side foot, hopping off the grass and landing his right foot forward from where he connected. This keeps his balance but maintains the power and spin on the ball.
For Trent, this is, of course, all instinctive, based on his years of perfecting techniques to suit game situations. It's a real art and wonderful to watch.
Practice
If you have a high enough wall to cross a ball to, stand 18 yards away. Pick a target on the wall to hit. Use the technique described in One2Pro Module 7: Bending the Ball.
With a sack of balls, stand on the wing outside the box and practice crossing the ball from a standing, dead-ball position and with a moving ball. Put cones down to score through at the near post, the far post, and the penalty spot.
One2Pro:
The use of video with a coach review is fantastic for honing skill and performance. In our One2Pro online coaching app, 'techniques of the stars' are broken down step-by-step for our players to follow and practice. Check out the volley lessons and upload your video for our coach to analyse and feedback to you.
Download and subscribe to work with your One2Pro coach on all 92 skills.
Be the One!
Aaron Tighe
Founder, One2Pro
Comments