Liverpool FC right back Trent Alexander Arnold rose to new heights at the weekend, breaking the record for assists by a defender in the Premier League.
This occurred during Liverpool’s 3-1 victory over Burnley on Saturday when Trent’s whipped-in corner met the head of Portuguese attacker Diogo Jota to open the scoring.
Since making his debut in 2016 against Middlesbrough, the 25-year-old has 59 assists to his name, breaking teammate Andy Robertson’s previous record of 58.
The pair have revolutionised the fullback position under Jurgen Klopp, making 237 appearances together. Only the Egyptian right-winger Mo Salah has played more games with the Scouser.
The previous holder of the record was Kirkby man Leighton Baines who managed 53 assists in his 420 Premier League appearances for Everton before he retired in 2020.
Liverpool will be hoping Trent and Robertson can extend their record at the top of the assist charts, adding to their combined four assists this season in their hopes of an astounding quadruple attempt in Klopp’s final season at the club.
Even though the Scotsman recently returned to the pitch following an injury, the new record holder was forced off at half-time with a knee injury which also kept him out for three weeks last month.
After the game, Reds boss Jurgen Klopp said: “Yeah, he felt it. He stuck it in the grass and we have to do an assessment.”
Fortunately for the fans of the Merseyside club, breakthrough academy star Conor Bradley is still available to slot in for the Merseyside man.
The Northern Ireland international impressed since his introduction, getting four goal involvements in his last four games. This included a goal against Chelsea at Anfield during their 4-1 win, helping him getting nominated for January player of the month for the league.
Liverpool return to action in the league which they currently lead by two points on Saturday against Brentford before an upcoming Carabao Cup final against Chelsea.
Featured image (c) Annie Davies
