Star Liverpool playmaker makes a huge return that could significantly boost the Reds’ season.
Despite the new year, Liverpool remains the same. Since the issues that plagued the team during the conclusion of last year are still very much in place. And 2023 hasn’t exactly brought about the change Jürgen Klopp would have been desperate for.
However, at least one Liverpool player may have found luck in the new year. And Klopp can perhaps find comfort in that.
Trent Alexander-current Arnold’s campaign has been his lowest in terms of his creative output. The Liverpool full-back didn’t record a single assist in the Premier League from August to December. It is despite having consistently strong fundamentals.
Creative Liverpool playmaker TAA back to his best
He has already contributed two assists in his first two games of 2023. The first one was to Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain against Brentford. And the other to Darwin Nez in the FA Cup match against Wolves.
Since his return from the World Cup, Alexander-Arnold has generally had a significant impact and is nearly back to his best.
In his first game back from the World Cup, his brilliant pass into Andy Robertson’s path against Aston Villa was crucial in helping Liverpool take the lead. Liverpool later scored their second goal of the game from a corner that Alexander-Arnold gave.
In Liverpool’s final game against Leicester, it was once more Alexander-cross Arnold’s that Faes turned into his goal to give the Reds the lead.
While none of the three contributions would qualify as assists, they were all crucial to the goals’ success. There are still many issues at Anfield that need to be resolved. But it appears that Klopp is no longer concerned about restoring Alexander-Arnold to his productive form.
That is a significant plus for Liverpool. Especially given that he can be among the finest full-backs in the world on any given day. Liverpool has occasionally had trouble defeating tenacious opponents that sat back and protected them from deep.
By having someone like Alexander-Arnold thread the ball into his teammates and create chances by playing calmly to identify the openings in the wall in front of him. Liverpool would have gotten through tactics like that in prior seasons.
If there is one positive outcome from 2023, it might be that Liverpool won’t have to worry about creating opportunities once more in the future. Alexander-Arnold may be in for a very profitable few months ahead. It would be at least fascinating for the club if he could maintain the same level of performance he displayed at the end of 2022 and the beginning of the new year.
