Image source, Opta

In the Premier League, Trent Alexander-Arnold's central role in Liverpool's attacking philosophy has seen him post better numbers than most creative midfielders and forwards this season.

His 153 involvements in attacking sequences - shots, build-up to a shot and chances created - puts the Reds full-back fifth in the English top-flight, behind team-mate Mohamed Salah (205), Chelsea's England forward Cole Palmer (191), Bournemouth's key supply-line Antoine Semenyo (176) and Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes (161).

Image source, Opta

Here is a look at the sort of company Trent Alexander-Arnold is keeping.

He leads the way amongst the top defenders in Europe's big five leagues this season in total involvements in attacking sequences - that includes shots, chances created and involvement in the build-up to shots:

• The Liverpool full-back has had a total of 153 involvements in attacking sequences - more than any other defender in Europe.
• He has had more shots (37) than any other defender.
• Alexander-Arnold is also second behind Paris St-Germain's Achraf Hakimi (43) in terms of chances created (41).
• And he is fourth in involvements in attacking sequences that build up to a shot with 75, behind Bayern Munich's Dayot Upamecano (100), Manchester City's Josko Gvardiol (95) and Hakimi (84).

In short, yes.

In terms of chances created and assists, no other defender in Europe can touch Trent Alexander-Arnold's statistics.

Since the 2017-18 season in the big five European leagues - in England, Spain, Italy, France and Germany - the Liverpool full-back is the top-ranked defender in terms of:

• Chances created - 513
• Chances created from open play - 318
• Assists - 64
• Assists from open play - 44

Image source, Getty Images

Trent Alexander-Arnold's attacking stats are dizzying.

He tops so many lists when compared with the top defenders in the Premier League and across Europe's top five leagues.

The Liverpool right-back also compares favourably - in terms of assists - against the most creative midfielders and forwards in the English top-flight.

However, his defensive stats are less impressive.

Stick with us as we take a look behind the positive and negative numbers behind Alexander-Arnold's Premier League performances.

Let's now turn our attentions back onto the future of Trent Alexander-Arnold.

A reminder that talks have taken place with Real Madrid over a proposed free transfer from Liverpool at the end of this season, although nothing has been finalised at this stage.

Aidy Boothroyd's former teams have been sending their well wishes to the manager after his diagnosis with Parkinson's.

Watford on X: "Best wishes to you and your family Aidy, from everyone at Watford FC"

Northampton Town on X: "Sending our very best wishes to former manager Aidy Boothroyd. We're all with you Aidy"

England on X: "We send our very best wishes to Aidy and his family, and we will be with him every step of the way"

Image source, Reuters

League Managers Association chief executive Richard Bevan said: "Aidy has displayed incredible positivity, resolve and determination since his Parkinson's diagnosis three years ago.

"We care deeply for all our members, and Aidy's attitude since his diagnosis has been an inspiration to our entire team as we continue to support him and his family throughout this unexpected and challenging time."

Boothroyd managed Watford from 2005-2008, winning promotion to the Premier League in 2006 and reaching an FA Cup semi-final the following season.

He also managed Colchester United, Coventry City, Northampton Town and from 2014-2021 was in charge of various England's youth teams.

Most recently he managed Indian side Jamshedpur.

Parkinson's disease, , externalaffects nearly 10 million people worldwide and more than 150,000 in the UK.

There is no cure and no treatment to slow or stop the disease, although therapies exist to help manage symptoms.

If you are affected by any of the issues raised in this story, support and advice is available via the BBC Action Line.

Image source, Getty Images

Former Watford manager Aidy Boothroyd has revealed he has Parkinson's disease.

The 54-year-old says he was diagnosed three years ago following a routine health check while manager of England Under-21s.

Parkinson's disease is a progressive neurological disorder affecting the brain and nervous system.

"The news came as a massive shock to me," the former defender said in a statement released by the League Managers Association (LMA).

He added: "It has taken me time to feel ready to share my diagnosis, and I have found it difficult not being completely open with people.

"Personally, my passion and love for coaching is as strong as ever, I am focusing on keeping physically fit, which is key to slowing down the progression of Parkinson's.

"I am ready to start the next chapter in my life."

We're going to take a brief break from the discussion on Trent Alexander-Arnold and his future.

For now, we are going to bring you some news from former England Under-21s and Watford manager Aidy Boothroyd.

Image source, Getty Images

It's the hot topic at the moment as 'Trent' and 'Madrid' trend on X, however as it stands, Trent Alexander-Arnold is still a Liverpool player.

Many of you have been getting in touch showing an understanding as to why Alexander-Arnold would move to the Bernabeu.

Arthur believes Liverpool's "academy contingent coming through" will help fill Trent's void, Andrew asks "Why should players sacrifice themselves for either of them?", and Duncan thinks Trent is "a Liverpool legend".

Arthur: "I've been going to Anfield since my dad took me into the Kop in 1963. We've always had legendary players leave. I wish him well, his cheeky corner to Divock Origi against Barca epitomised Trent's skill, ingenuity and freedom. We've an academy contingent coming through. As ever, we'll find the most difficult, white knuckle way of achieving our goals. YNWA!"

Andrew: "Football is ruthless. Fans are fickle. Owners are mercenary. Why should players sacrifice themselves for either of them?"

Duncan: "TAA has done it all for Liverpool, won the lot. He is still an ambitious, talented young man and has every right to go and challenge himself elsewhere. I am gutted to see him go, but as always we will find another...if we haven't already in Conor Bradley. Good luck Trent - a Liverpool legend!"

Image source, Getty Images

Liverpool fan and writer Steven Scragg says he doesn't "blame" Trent Alexander-Arnold if he wants to leave Anfield for Real Madrid this summer, citing the club's "carelessness" as one of the main reasons the academy graduate looks set to leave.

Speaking on BBC Radio Merseyside, Scragg said: "The more it has rumbled on, the less of a shock it has become. It's disappointing news to hear that it's basically a done deal because nobody wants to lose a player of that calibre or value.

"Real Madrid have picked a player off us three times now. They got two players for free and then Michael Owen at a significant markdown.

"It is a multi-faceted thing: you don't want to lose a player of that calibre, no matter what.

"We often talk about how we lost Philippe Coutinho. For the price of Coutinho we got Virgil van Dijk and Alisson, but there isn't going to be a cushion that is comparable this time round.

"Hopefully he will be leaving behind the reigning Premier League champions - so there is going to be life after him and I don't blame him for wanting to go.

"If there's going to be any kind of finger-pointing then it should be the club's carelessness in allowing it to get to this situation, plus the fact that they have done it to so many different players."

Kevin Keegan did.

Keegan played his football for Liverpool between 1971-77 - he then won the Ballon d'Or while playing for Hamburg SV in 1978 and 1979.

Image source, Getty Images

A trip down memory lane...

In 2018 BBC sports editor Dan Roan visited Trent Alexander-Arnold before his first-ever Champions League final - which they would go on to lose 3-1 to Real Madrid.

As Alexander-Arnold comes under scrutiny from some Liverpool fans for being linked to Real Madrid he told Roan in 2018 it is "massive" to be a local hero.

"I think when I was growing up and I saw the likes of Gerrard, Carragher - the homegrown players, the Scousers - in the team it always gave me a bit more inspiration and motivation," said Alexander-Arnold.

"Hopefully that's how the young players of the academy and the kids in and around Liverpool look up to me now."

Image source, Getty Images

Since Trent Alexander-Arnold's senior debut in October 2016 the full-back has gone on to amass eight individual honours for the club.

Not bad, eh?

• Champions League (2019)
• UEFA Super Cup (2019)
• FIFA Club World Cup (2019)
• Premier League (2019-20)
• FA Community Shield (2022)
• Carabao Cup (2022)
• FA Cup (2022)
• Carabao Cup (2024)

Image source, Getty Images

Trent Alexander-Arnold has been under Liverpool's ranks since he was six-years-old, he is now 26.

During that time we have seen the full-back win every major honour which is available to the Reds.

Amongst Liverpool fans, many are in disbelief that Alexander-Arnold would even think about leaving Liverpool, but some football fans can see why he would make that choice...

Anon: He’s outgrown Liverpool, similar to Beckham at United. It's just one of those things.

Paddy: Can't help but feel, despite the success he's had at the club, this protracted contract drama will manage to leave a bit of a sour taste for some. He's won everything at Liverpool, and likely to add another title, so he's earned the right to play where he wants. I just wonder if it all could have been done a bit more astutely.

Duffspur: Good luck to him. He’ll leave with a trophy haul most players never get to achieve and should be allowed to pursue an opportunity at arguably the most famous club in the world without people slating him for it.

Image source, Getty Images

While Northern Ireland international Conor Bradley has proven a reliable replacement when called up in the past two seasons, Steve McManaman believes Trent Alexander-Arnold would leave "a considerable hole" at Liverpool.

"[Bradley is] a completely different player to Trent Alexander-Arnold," the two-time Champions League winner said.

"Trent's numbers in an attacking sense are absolutely fantastic... but Liverpool fans and everybody will hope that Conor Bradley will be able to fill that void.

"You have a standard level and every year, you try and improve and get better and better.

"We all hope that Conor Bradley achieves that and becomes the superstar that people are talking about when they talk about Trent Alexander-Arnold."