Let us have a look at how Trent Alexander-Arnold and Reece James play a big part in their team’s attacking system:
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In the modern game, full-backs are a major part of any team’s attacking play. Most often they occupy the width of their flank to provide crosses and through balls in the box. In some cases, they cut inside and sit alongside the midfielders to add an extra body in the middle of the park. But rarely do they sit back and focus on defence these days. Unless a team is playing a big heavyweight, the full-backs are often given the freedom to join the attack. The best examples are Liverpool right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold and Chelsea’s Reece James.
These two English players have changed the way fans look at full-backs. They have taken it to a level where their respective team’s attacking play relies a lot on them. Be it starting the build-up from the deep, or being involved in chance creation in the final third, they play an important role in their team’s footballing style. It goes without saying that their regular surge up front leaves a lot of gaps in their flank for the opposition attackers to exploit. Hence, it is important to get the team set up right to make sure they do not get overrun in defence. Let us have a look at how they play a big part in their team’s attacking system:
The Liverpool full-back has benefitted a lot from playing under a master tactician like Jurgen Klopp. The English defender has shown a lot of promise from a young age. But nurturing the talent and helping him reach his full potential is not something every manager can achieve. However, Klopp is one of the best man managers around. Hence, it is not surprising to see Alexander-Arnold flourish under him. So much so that Liverpool’s build-up starts a lot of time from the 23-year-old.
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Trent has almost everything needed in a modern-day full-back. He has pace, agility, aggression, dribbling ability, an eye for a pass, and is also an excellent crosser. In 29 Premier League matches this season, he has created 12 assists, which is the second-highest in the league. Besides, Alexander-Arnold makes 66.97 passes per match – an incredible ratio for a full-back. He has also made a staggering 237 crosses and has produced 183 accurate long balls. He plays a big role in helping Liverpool dominate opponents in possession.
The 22-year-old right-back has thrived big time since Thomas Tuchel’s arrival in January 2021. It is not surprising though when one takes James’ talent into account. Like Trent, Reece James also came into the scene as a wonder kid, with the potential to be a world-class player one day. Tuchel’s man-management and style of play have helped him settle in the new formation with relative ease. The German coach normally plays with a back three, which allows the full-backs to play as wing-backs. This set-up allows James to run down the right flank frequently to join the attack.
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In 22 Premier League matches this season, he has set up six goals. Overall, he manages 48.95 passes per match and has a cross-accuracy ratio of 21%. Alexander-Arnold, on the other hand, has a cross-accuracy ratio of 30%. The Liverpool full-back clearly has better numbers than his Chelsea counterpart but that cannot take away how good James has been. When James has been injured, the Blues have clearly missed his creativity on the right flank. He along with Trent has taken the involvement of full-backs in attack to a whole other level.
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