All three goals from the first half were assisted by the England star.
Trent Alexander-Arnold earned plaudits from Gareth Southgate for supporting England's midfield experiment and showcasing his skills during the easy victory away to Malta.
Although the 24-year-old is a well-known player at Liverpool, prospects with the national team have been limited by fierce competition at right-back.
In September 2021, Alexander-Arnold struggled against Andorra when Southgate tried him there, but things went much better in Malta, where he earned just his 19th cap on Friday night.
All three of the first half's goals were assisted by the England star, who also expertly curled in a Harry Kane penalty and an own goal by Ferdinando Apap.
With his own penalty shot, substitute Callum Wilson made it 4-0, but this was Alexander-Arnold's night as Southgate's team extended their successful start to qualifying for Euro 2024.
"Inevitably, a lot of what happens is going to be a little bit dependent on his club," the England manager added.
I believe that his transition tonight has benefited from the fact that he has been playing partially in that area with the ball, albeit slightly deeper.
He's becoming accustomed to receiving in confined spaces with his back to the goal and players standing behind him, which was encouraging tonight.
As opposed to receiving on the sidelines with the play in front of him, where he is accustomed to doing so and felt completely at ease.
"Look, he can do it; I have no doubts about that. Simply learning the nuances of the role would be considerably different for him without the ball.
But he is eager to perform it. If you like, he has enjoyed the kind of project.
"We discussed it on the phone a little over four weeks ago, and I believe he has been enthusiastic about it. He also demonstrated exactly what we believe he is capable of. He offers us something unique compared to the other midfielders we have.
Compared to their previous visit to Malta, when they played the underwhelming hosts to a scoreless first half, this was a far easier night for England.
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