Today, midfielder Trent Alexander-Arnold scored the tying goal in Liverpool’s 1-1 draw with Manchester City (see above). However, Alexander-Arnold’s distinctive brilliance lies in his ability to assist others in achieving success, particularly his teammate Mo Salah.
In this article from The Athletic, he said, “I have an understanding of where and how he wants the ball. The signals he gives me… I can’t really go into the signals because the left-backs will be onto them. But there are definitely signals he does which indicate where he wants the ball. It is about making sure I read them and am able to execute those passes.”
From his comments, we learn three things about making your teammates successful:
Be Intelligent
Alexander-Arnold said, “I have an understanding of where and how he wants the ball.” You have to know where and how to make your teammates successful. Teammate Diogo Jota made specific mention of Alexander-Arnold’s positioning skills, “He is smart enough to stay wide in that moment.” This gives Salah more room to work.
This takes time, effort, and the following:
Communicate Well
You cannot make someone else successful without first communicating with them. Communication is care. You discover what their needs are and then help meet them.
Alexander-Arnold added, “The signals he gives me… I can’t really go into the signals because the left-backs will be onto them. But there are definitely signals he does which indicate where he wants the ball.”
Execute
First, you must want to help people be successful but good intentions are not enough. Not only do you want to help them, you must be able to do so.
Alexander-Arnold concluded, “It is about making sure I read them and am able to execute those passes.”
Conclusion
If you want to help your teammate become successful, be intelligent, communicate well, and then execute.
For a look at Alexander-Arnold and Salah working together, see the video below: