Trent Alexander-Arnold: “Xabi Alonso is my idol”

In a recent interview with Prime Video Sport, Trent Alexander-Arnold expressed his admiration for Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso, calling him an idol. The Liverpool star reflected on how Alonso’s playing style has influenced his own development, stating, “Xabi Alonso was an idol of mine. He was someone I looked up to and practiced a lot of his passes.” Alexander-Arnold praised Alonso’s continued involvement in training, noting his exceptional intelligence on the pitch. “You could just see his intelligence in training. The way he sees the game is in a pure form,” he added.

Alexander-Arnold also shared insights about his time at Real Madrid, revealing that he is thoroughly enjoying the experience. “It’s good. I’m enjoying every bit of it. It’s different from what I am used to, but it feels good,” he said. The right-back mentioned that he has been warmly welcomed by his teammates and feels like he has settled into the squad seamlessly. “I’m more than happy; it’s a dream come true,” he remarked, highlighting the significance of playing at such an iconic club.

On the Art of Passing

During the conversation, Alexander-Arnold reflected on the influence of legendary passers like Gerrard and Alonso on his understanding of football. He recalled telling Alonso in their first conversation that watching him and Gerrard made him realize that passing is indeed an art form. “When those two passed the ball, it sounded different. I don’t know if people will get this, but you can hear a good pass. It sounds different. If you know, you know,” he explained, showcasing his deep appreciation for technical skill in football.

Life in the Dressing Room

When asked about the atmosphere in the dressing room at Madrid, Alexander-Arnold highlighted Antonio Rüdiger as one of the funniest players on the team. “There are a few, but I’d probably say Rüdiger. He gets a lot of laughs,” he said with a smile. The player also described a surreal moment when he saw his shirt hanging in the Bernabéu dressing room, expressing joy at finally being able to play for the home team after previous encounters as an opponent. “To play at such an iconic stadium and for the home team this time… it was much better than being part of the away team,” he said, laughing.

Alexander-Arnold concluded by discussing conversations with fellow England international Jude Bellingham about life at Real Madrid. He noted that during their time together at England camps, Bellingham had expressed how incredible it is to be part of such a prestigious club. “He said it’s incredible and that he never felt anything like it,” Trent shared, emphasizing the unique experience both players are having.

As Alexander-Arnold continues to adapt to life at Real Madrid, his respect for Xabi Alonso and appreciation for the club’s culture only seem to deepen. Will this admiration translate into further success on the pitch? Only time will tell.