Liverpool's Trent Alexander-Arnold, often celebrated for his attacking quality but sometimes unfairly judged for this defensive weaknesses, is making headlines for less flattering reasons this Premier League season.
The England international tops the league in possession lost per 90 minutes (P90) for players that have over 500 minutes on the board, raising questions about his future at Liverpool and whether Real Madrid will maintain their interest to purchase him at some point in 2025.
"Troubling" Numbers in Possession Lost
The right-back has lost possession 21.7 times per 90, the highest among all defenders in the league so far this season. This raises questions about his defensive reliability and whether Real Madrid, long linked with the player, will still pursue his signature.
Creative Genius in Numbers
Despite some of the criticism, Alexander-Arnold’s creative stats for the 2024/25 season showcase his immense attacking value.
In 16 Premier League appearances, he has created 12 big chances, assisted 4 goals and he averages 6.6 crosses per 90 minutes. His ability to deliver dangerous balls into the box remains fairly unmatched among defenders.
Across all competitions, he has accumulated 13 big chances created and 5 assists, reflecting his importance in Liverpool's attacking setup
Real Madrid's Stance
Reports reveal Real Madrid’s continued interest in signing the right-back, with Carlo Ancelotti’s side considering a January move. However, Madrid were reportedly rebuffed during initial inquiries, with Liverpool unwilling to entertain offers mid-season.
Madrid's pursuit, complicated by Liverpool's firm stance and the player's availability on a free transfer this summer, highlights the stakes of this potential move.
Ancelotti has avoided commenting directly, instead emphasising Madrid’s depth despite injury concerns. Speculation suggests Madrid may view Alexander-Arnold as part of a long-term project rather than an immediate fix.
What Lies Ahead?
For Alexander-Arnold, the coming months will be pivotal. Liverpool are reportedly engaged in contract talks, aiming to retain the defender who has been at the club for two decades. Meanwhile, Madrid must decide whether his defensive shortcomings (while sometimes extremely overblown) are worth overlooking in favour of his massive attacking upside.
It's looking more and more likely that Madrid are more than happy to bring him into the fold, with a lot of the possession lost coming from long balls that may well have not been successful.
