Trent Alexander-Arnold’s dream move to Real Madrid is already showing signs of turning into a nightmare, with Xabi Alonso making it clear that the England international is far from a guaranteed starter.
The former Liverpool vice-captain was left on the bench for Los Blancos’ 2-0 win over Real Oviedo on Sunday, alongside Vinícius Júnior. Instead, Alonso placed his faith in captain Dani Carvajal at right-back and Rodrygo further forward, a selection that sent a strong message about where Alexander-Arnold currently stands in the pecking order.
The £10m summer signing was restricted to a brief cameo, coming on in the 87th minute. A stark contrast to life at Anfield, where across nine seasons he was one of the first names on the team sheet, racking up 44 appearances in his final campaign alone.
Post-match, Alonso doubled down on his stance:
“We have more than 20 players in the squad and I’m going to try to get the best out of all of them. Sometimes they can be starters and be important, or play just a few minutes and be important.”
That public declaration of rotation won’t settle Alexander-Arnold’s nerves, particularly with Carvajal back fit and firing. The 33-year-old is a club legend with 430 appearances, 26 trophies and a Ballon d’Or top-four finish last year after helping Madrid to La Liga, the Champions League, and Euro 2024 with Spain.
Those inside the Madrid camp reportedly expect Carvajal to keep his place, leaving Alexander-Arnold in danger of becoming an expensive squad player. Fans have already voiced concerns after his shaky LaLiga debut against Osasuna, and patience may wear thin quickly at the Bernabéu.
For a player who swapped the comfort of Merseyside for the cauldron of Madrid, the reality is harsh: he must now prove himself all over again. Alonso has spoken about “exceptional” options at right-back, but only one can own the shirt.
Alexander-Arnold wanted a new challenge. Now he’s got one. And it’s Dani Carvajal standing firmly in his way.
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