Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version or go back to LFC Live.net

His attacking attributes are one of a kind and, while he is constantly the subject of scrutiny over his defensive capabilities, he is answering his critics and thriving under new Reds head coach Arne Slot.

So far this season Alexander-Arnold has won 55% of his defensive duels and has made 44 defensive actions, such as blocks and tackles.

This highlights the quality of Alexander-Arnold’s deliveries compared to the Northern Ireland international.

Defensively, Bradley excelled, winning almost double his tackles last season compared to Alexander-Arnold.

This could suit Slot’s system, which focuses on pressing and defensive solidity, while minimising risks.

A relative unknown, Gustavo Garcia dos Santos is currently on loan from Palmeiras with CD Nacional in the Portuguese top flight, and has returned similar numbers to Alexander-Arnold.

With a £2m market value, the 22-year-old has been equally impressive in attacking and defensive actions this season.

Gustavo Garcia dos Santos vs Trent Alexander-Arnold

Stats provided by DataMB, show Garcia has completed the majority of his crosses this season, a higher amount than Alexander-Arnold's 83%.

The Brazilian has also impressed with his expected assists (xA).

However, the lower xA could potentially highlight a slightly lower quality of cross compared to the Liverpool hero.

Defensively, Garcia measures up well to Alexander-Arnold, completing six more defensive actions, with a defensive duel success rate of almost 25% more than the Reds’ No.66.

However, the Primeira Liga is undoubtedly less competitive than the Premier League, so the data must be interpreted carefully.

Another Brazilian that shows up well in the data is Vanderson of AS Monaco.

He uses his Brazilian flair to beat a man alongside his defensive nous to keep the backline solid

Vanderson’s attacking stats are not as eye-catching as Alexander-Arnold’s, which can be seen in the graph, generating 73.4 xA, while completing only a quarter of his crosses.

Vanderson vs Trent Alexander-Arnold

However, his awareness of defensive duties is where the 23-year-old excels, with more than double Alexander-Arnold’s defensive actions.

Ariel duels are also a strength, winning 72% compared to the Liverpool right-back’s 13%.

Vanderson could be a more defensive-minded replacement that could match Slot’s style of play, which focuses on high-ball retention and less risk-taking actions such as crosses.