The impressive defensive stats of vice-captain Trent Alexander-Arnold against Brighton & Hove Albion give Liverpool fans hope against Bayer Leverkusen. Leverkusen possesses an incredible threat in their left flank which Trent will face alongside his teammates in the Champions League.
The Reds will face last season’s German Bundesliga Invincible champions in the Champions League bout at Anfield on Tuesday night. The much-anticipated game will also put new head coach Arne Slot against Liverpool’s favourite Xabi Alonso in a tactical battle.
The Reds have enjoyed a strong start to their season by winning 13 out of 15 games in all competitions. They have only conceded 10 goals and despite this success, Liverpool are far from a finished article under the Dutchman.
It is still early days for Slot as the team continues to improve under the new tactical style of play. However, maintaining the winning consistency despite not reaching anywhere near the final gear is what title-winning sides do.
Trent has improved immensely defensively under Slot, solidifying his place as the first-choice right-back ahead of in-form Irishman Conor Bradley. The 26-year-old is serving the last season of his current contract, earning him £180,000 gross per week, as uncertainty looms.
However, Alexander-Arnold has not allowed any off-field distraction to hinder his on-field evolution as a more defensively reliable right-back. According to Football on TNT Sports, Trent delivered the most tackles (nine) and won the most duels (12) against Brighton.
Furthermore, he made two key interceptions for the Reds and made two clearances while playing against the tricky Kaoru Mitoma. Mitoma has earned his reputation as one of the best Premier League wingers with unpredictably strong agility and dribbling skills. Every game brings a new challenge, particularly when a player is playing for Liverpool, as they face incredible teams.
Trent Alexander-Arnold vs Alex Grimaldo and Florian Wirtz will shape Liverpool vs Bayer Leverkusen
The Reds are facing many top opponents from all over Europe this season due to the tough Champions League draw. Alonso has quickly assembled a brilliant team at Leverkusen despite his limited time as their manager.
The German side only lost one game in all competitions last season, the Europa League final against Atalanta. Alonso has installed a strong tactical style of play at Leverkusen with fluidity and structure that delivers consistent results.
While his side has enjoyed a tougher start compared to last season, Leverkusen remains a formidable team to beat. The German club have lost only one game from 15 matches in all competitions this season, challenging all trophies again.
Alexander-Arnold will face their most in-form duos, Alex Grimaldo and Florian Wirtz, which demands impeccable concentration along with teammates’ help. Wirtz is the top goal scorer for Leverkusen this season so far, playing as the left-attacking midfielder.
The German international drops wide for Grimaldo to exploit the channels more centrally, making them unpredictable to mark. Just like Trent, Grimaldo brings variation to the fullback role, dictating the tempo centrally or providing width in the flanks.
Legendary forward Mohamed Salah has a pivotal role to play as he could push Grimaldo back by outperforming their left-central defender. Furthermore, the right central midfielder could track back and block the spaces between Ryan Gravenberch and Trent according to the situation.
The Liverpool vice-captain’s playmaking prowess will also play an important role when the Reds are commanding the possession. This is a fantastic test for Trent to establish himself as a dominant right-back and prove those who doubt his defensive abilities, wrong.
