Trent Alexander-Arnold of Liverpool has picked up the coveted PFA Fans’ Player of the Month award for December, capping off a remarkable end to 2023 for the vice-captain during which he registered one goal, two assists and three clean sheets.
The month kicked off with Alexander-Arnold orchestrating a breathtaking 4-3 comeback victory against Fulham at Anfield on 3 December.
His 10th-minute free-kick, though viewed as a Bernd Leno own goal, gave the Reds the lead but with the Reds finding themselves trailing 2-3 in the final 10 minutes, a quickfire double from Wataru Endo and Alexander-Arnold sealed a dramatic victory.
In attacking play, the Scouser’s influence continued in the following game at Bramall Lane, where he laid on an assist via a corner for Virgil van Dijk in a 2-0 victory over Sheffield United.
Then, just before Christmas, he got yet another assist: this time in the top-of-the-table clash against Arsenal at Anfield. His raking long-range pass picked out Mohamed Salah, who scored the equaliser in a 1-1 draw.
As perhaps an respond to his critics, the right-back also showed how crucial he was to the Reds’ defence throughout December.
With him in the side, Liverpool picked up three clean sheets last month – against Sheffield United, Manchester United and Burnley.
This helped the 25-year-old to see off competition from Chelsea’s Cole Palmer, Bournemouth’s Dominic Solanke, Tottenham’s Richarlison, West Ham’s Mohammed Kudus and Aston Villa’s Leon Bailey in the public vote.
Now, though, with news that Alexander-Arnold is set to miss “a few weeks” after hyperextending his knee in the FA Cup win over Arsenal, the absence of the England international could be about to be acutely felt.
That said, Connor Bradley’s excellent performance in the 2-1 Carabao Cup win over Fulham will give fans reason for optimism that the Northern Irishman can keep the spot warm until Trent’s eventual return to action – hopefully in time for the trip to Arsenal on 4 February.
