Trent Alexander-Arnold arrived at Real Madrid with high expectations, hailed as one of the world’s premier right-backs. However, his transition to the Spanish giants has been far from smooth.
After leaving Liverpool last summer, fans and analysts alike anticipated the impact he would make at the Santiago Bernabéu. Five months into his tenure, the reality is starkly different. Despite a hefty €10 million transfer fee paid to secure his services ahead of a contract expiration, Alexander-Arnold has struggled to cement his place in Carlo Ancelotti‘s starting eleven. Out of the 16 matches played this season, he has featured in only seven, and notably, none of those appearances have been for the full 90 minutes.
Injury Woes and Limited Opportunities
His brief stint at the FIFA Club World Cup offered a glimmer of hope. He started twice during the tournament, registering his sole assist against Borussia Dortmund in the quarter-finals. Yet, a significant injury setback followed that momentary success, leading to an extended absence from the pitch. This situation has left many questioning whether Alexander-Arnold can adapt to the demands of La Liga.
Coach’s Confidence in Question
The current predicament is particularly perplexing for a player who thrived as a key figure at Liverpool. Ancelotti’s recent comments indicate a lack of confidence in Alexander-Arnold’s readiness. “He will be ready after the break,” Ancelotti stated after opting for Federico Valverde over him in crucial matches, even when Alexander-Arnold was fit to play. This decision raises eyebrows about the Englishman’s status within the squad. With Dani Carvajal nearing a return from injury, it seems likely that Alexander-Arnold could find himself relegated to a backup role.
The stark contrast between his previous glory days at Liverpool and his current situation in Madrid is hard to ignore. As he grapples with these challenges, fans are left wondering if he can rediscover his form and become an integral part of Real Madrid’s future plans.
Will Trent Alexander-Arnold rise to the occasion and prove his doubters wrong? Only time will tell if he can turn around this rocky start and reclaim his status among the elite defenders in football.
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