Alexander-Arnold Shines and Struggles in Madrid Bow

4 days ago

Trent Alexander-Arnold made a notable debut for Real Madrid in their Club World Cup opener against Al-Hilal, marking the official start of his post-Liverpool career. The 26-year-old, wearing his first name and number 12 on his white kit, played a mixed role in the 1-1 draw under new manager Xabi Alonso.

Debut Highlights and Challenges

Alexander-Arnold's transition from Liverpool, where he won every major trophy across 354 appearances, was evident in his performance. The £8.4m signing, whose contract was set to expire in June, showcased both strengths and weaknesses before being substituted in the 65th minute.

"An amazing day to make my debut for Real Madrid—almost what every player dreams of," he told Dazn post-match. "Incredible support from the moment I signed. The fanbase is truly global, and you feel it every day."

Key Moments from the Match

Defensive Lapses: Early in the game, Alexander-Arnold was caught out of position multiple times, leading to Al-Hilal creating chances down his flank.
Offensive Contributions: He rebounded with a crucial interception that led to Gonzalo Garcia's opening goal and later blocked a dangerous shot from Salem Al Dawsari.
Passing Accuracy: Finished the first half with an 84% pass completion rate, second only to Vinicius Jr., and improved further in the second half.
Attacking Versatility: Played higher up the pitch at times, delivering five crosses and making 12 entries into the final third—more than any teammate.

Tactical Adaptation

Known for his attacking prowess as a full-back or hybrid midfielder, Alexander-Arnold's role at Real Madrid is under scrutiny. While Alonso deployed him in a traditional back four, his tendency to push forward remained evident. However, he saw less central involvement compared to his final Liverpool appearances.

Former goalkeeper Shay Given noted: "Real Madrid dominates possession in La Liga, so Trent will play higher. The question is whether he can handle stronger defensive tests in this tournament."

Language and Cultural Transition

Alexander-Arnold surprised fans by speaking Spanish at his unveiling, sparking speculation about his long-term plans. Post-match, he admitted to learning the language over "a couple of months," emphasizing his commitment to adapting.

Former Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel expressed skepticism: "A couple of months? Maybe a year!"

Looking Ahead

With his set-piece expertise yet to be utilized and defensive responsibilities under scrutiny, Alexander-Arnold's journey at Real Madrid promises intrigue. As Callum Wilson noted, "His technical quality will shine in a possession-heavy side."

As the season progresses, all eyes will be on whether he can fulfill his bold ambition: competing for the Ballon d'Or.