After much anticipation, Trent Alexander-Arnold made one of the biggest moves of the summer, leaving his childhood club Liverpool to join Real Madrid. The 26-year-old right-back made a promising start during the Club World Cup, where he played in all five matches and even assisted a goal in a 1-0 win over Juventus. However, his journey in Spain has had its challenges, including a minor injury and a shortened pre-season.
⚔️ Competing for a Starting Spot
Although many expected Alexander-Arnold to be an automatic starter, he now faces strong competition from club captain Dani Carvajal. While Alexander-Arnold was coach Xabi Alonso’s first choice during the Club World Cup when Carvajal was injured, his playing time has decreased significantly since the captain’s return. In his last four matches, he has played less than 90 minutes combined. Alonso explained that his team selection changes based on the opponent and player workload, stating, “I haven’t made any decisions for next month.”
🤔 A Possible Move to Midfield?
With the tough competition at right-back, the long-running debate about moving Alexander-Arnold into midfield has resurfaced. His excellent passing ability has often led to suggestions that he would perform well in a central role. However, coach Alonso seems to prefer him as a full-back with the freedom to move inward. He praised Alexander-Arnold’s “quality and understanding of the game” but also noted that Real Madrid is already well-stocked with talented midfielders like Eduardo Camavinga, Jude Bellingham, and Federico Valverde, making a permanent position change unlikely anytime soon.
🏴 Concerns for the National Team
Alexander-Arnold’s situation at Real Madrid could also affect his place in the England national team. Manager Thomas Tuchel has not called him up since June, appearing to prefer Chelsea’s Reece James. Although Tuchel confirmed that Alexander-Arnold is “desperate and keen to return and play for England,” his lack of consistent playing time at club level might be a concern. However, with the World Cup approaching, it would still be a surprise if a player of his talent was left out of the squad entirely.
⏳ Patience is Key for the Future
It is still very early in Trent Alexander-Arnold’s career at Real Madrid. Adjusting to a new country, culture, and style of football after spending his entire career at Liverpool is a major change. Combined with minor injuries and a disrupted pre-season, his slow start is understandable. With time and patience, the talented right-back is widely expected to find his form and become a key player for his new club.
