Liverpool fans are witnessing the end of an era as one of the most celebrated full-back duos in football history reaches its conclusion. Trent Alexander-Arnold has completed a move to Real Madrid, while Andy Robertson's position at Anfield is under threat following the arrival of new signing Milos Kerkez. This marks the close of a partnership that has been integral to Liverpool’s success over the past eight seasons.
Alexander-Arnold, a product of Liverpool’s academy, and Robertson, who joined from Hull City for £8 million in 2017, formed a dynamic duo that redefined the role of modern full-backs. Together, they played 279 matches, averaging 35 games per season across all competitions. Their partnership yielded 185 victories and only 43 losses, a testament to their consistency and impact.
Under former manager Jurgen Klopp’s high-energy system, the pair were instrumental in Liverpool’s attacking play. Their ability to contribute goals and assists set them apart. Alexander-Arnold and Robertson have each recorded three seasons with 10 or more assists in the Premier League, a feat achieved by only 10 defenders in the league’s history. In the 2019-20 season alone, they combined for an astonishing 25 assists.
Their individual statistics are equally remarkable. Alexander-Arnold leads all Premier League defenders with 64 assists, followed closely by Robertson with 60. They are the only defenders to have created over 500 chances since Opta began tracking the data in 2003-04, with Alexander-Arnold (516) and Robertson (446) ranking among the top 10 in all positions since 2017-18.
Beyond their numbers, Alexander-Arnold and Robertson were key figures in Liverpool’s most successful period since the 1980s. Together, they won two Premier League titles, the Champions League, the FA Cup, and two League Cups. Their 66% win rate as a duo underscores their importance to the team.
As Liverpool prepares for a new chapter, the club’s incoming full-back pairing—likely to feature summer signing Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez—faces the daunting task of living up to the legacy left by Alexander-Arnold and Robertson. Their departure marks the end of a partnership that will be remembered as one of the greatest in football history.
Football fans are now left to debate where Alexander-Arnold and Robertson rank among other iconic full-back duos, such as Brazil’s Roberto Carlos and Cafu, AC Milan’s Paolo Maldini and Mauro Tassotti, and Manchester United’s Denis Irwin and Gary Neville. One thing is certain: their impact on Liverpool and the Premier League will not be forgotten.
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