Liverpool's Trent Alexander-Arnold nears European record held by Barcelona's Dani Alves | OneFootball

Trent Alexander-Arnold is enjoying a sensational season at Liverpool.

While inconsistent form in 2020/21 might have seen his defensive attributes called into question and England standing cast into doubt, the 23-year-old is now back to producing the stunning performances that make him such a star.

Besides, there’s good reason to suggest that Alexander-Arnold has reestablished himself as the world’s best right-back with his stellar displays even outshining the likes of Achraf Hakimi and Reece James.

The brilliance of Alexander-Arnold

Not only has the Liverpool hero raised two fingers to suggestions that he’s not actually very good at defending, but he’s also reasserted himself as the ultimate playmaker when it comes to the defensive flanks.

While, yes, the role of a full-back has changed in general across recent years, Alexander-Arnold is nevertheless head and shoulders above his contemporaries when it comes to creating chances for his teammates.

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Whether it’s crosses that Kevin De Bruyne would be proud of or set-pieces reminiscent of Steven Gerrard, opposition teams are well aware that Alexander-Arnold is one of the leading creative forces in Jurgen Klopp’s side.

In fact, the England international has been so ground-breaking with his goal contributions across the 2021/22 campaign that he could lift himself above greats of the game by making European football history.

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Alexander-Arnold nearing European record

That’s because data gurus Transfermarkt revealed on their Instagram page this week that Alexander-Arnold is on pace to deliver the most assists in a season of any defender playing in one of Europe’s top five leagues.

With all competitions taken into consideration and presumably only data from the modern era considered, the Liverpudlian sensation currently sits in seventh-place with his outrageous record of 17 assists already.

Having amassed 11 assists in the Premier League, three in the Champions League, two in the Carabao Cup and one in the FA Cup, Alexander-Arnold only needs to turn provider five more times to break the record.

Considering that there are still two months of the season to go, that’s very much possible, so be sure to check out the full top ten down below to see who Alexander-Arnold needs to overtake on his way to making history:

10. Trent Alexander-Arnold (2018/19) – 16 assists

9. Ashley Young (2009/10) – 17 assists

8. Jordi Alba (2018/19) – 17 assists

7. Trent Alexander-Arnold (2021/22) – 17 assists

6. Dani Alves (2007/08) – 18 assists

5. Jesus Navas (2009/10) – 18 assists

4. Dani Alves (2011/12) – 18 assists

3. Philipp Lahm (2012/13) – 19 assists

2. Juan Cuadrado (2020/21) – 19 assists

1. Dani Alves (2010/11) – 21 assists

Alexander-Arnold could become an all-time great

He’s got to do it, hasn’t he? Surely…

Besides, Alexander-Arnold only being seventh is arguably harsh in itself with Jesus Navas and Ashley Young amassing their contributions when they were wingers despite having slotted into defence since then.

It’s crazy to think that Alexander-Arnold features twice on the list alongside highly-respected full-backs such as Dani Alves, Jordi Alba and Philipp Lahm despite being just five and a half seasons into his career in the pro game.

So, while it’s undoubtedly epic that Alves has managed to place in the top ten three times across his Sevilla and Barcelona spells, don’t be surprised if Alexander-Arnold proves to be similarly dominant in the years to come.

Besides, even in the unlikely scenario that the Reds star doesn’t snatch the record before the season is up, Alves better keep looking over his shoulder because there’s a new kid on the block in the world of assist-giving full-backs.