Trent Alexander-Arnold, who arrived at Real Madrid just before the Club World Cup, is unable to show his best level.
Alexander-Arnold was one of the main figures at the beginning of the summer transfer window when Real Madrid decided to secure his services from Liverpool. His arrival, just days before the Club World Cup, created excitement, debate and also a high level of expectation in the Spanish capital.
Read: Ruben Amorim fails to “convince” Manchester United
The England full-back made his debut in the white jersey in the international tournament, where Xabi Alonso gave him playing time to start adapting to the system. However, the first impressions were not the best. Alexander-Arnold seemed uncomfortable, struggled to maintain defensive pace and lacked the attacking impact he had shown for years in the Premier League.
Alexander-Arnold has not started in the best way at Real Madrid
Real Madrid are always scrutinizing new signings, especially a player who arrives with stardom. His initial performances in the Club World Cup raised doubts among fans, who expected an immediate impact from a player used to competing at an elite level.
The start in La Liga didn’t help Alexander-Arnold dismiss the criticism either. In the first game, played at the Santiago Bernabéu, his performance was once again put under the microscope. He showed insecurity in defense, left space that the opponent exploited, and in attack he barely managed to show his quality in runs on the edges.
The reality is that Real Madrid invested heavily in a different type of right-back. Alexander-Arnold arrived as a player with a talent for creating situations, a specialist in making precise passes and with offensive vision, but Spanish football also requires defensive discipline which he is struggling to show for the time being.
The coaching staff is aware that adaptation is not always immediate. Xabi Alonso has confidence in Alexander-Arnold and is convinced that with time and effort, he will become a key player. The challenge is that the environment at Real Madrid usually does not provide much leeway, and the criticism starts to weigh on the player’s morale.
Alexander-Arnold’s time at Liverpool had established him as one of the most highly valued full-backs in the world. His ability to deliver precise passes and his involvement in play-building were his greatest virtues. However, at Real Madrid, he has yet to find the formula to consistently showcase these qualities.
In the dressing room, his teammates support the English player, knowing that the first few games will not define the outcome of the season. Alexander-Arnold is 26 years old and is in top physical shape, which suggests that he can soon turn the situation around and deliver what is expected of him.
Meanwhile, the fans are waiting for clear signs of improvement. The Santiago Bernabéu is a demanding arena that usually does not forgive weak performances. Alexander-Arnold will have to show character and composure if he wants to earn a place in Real Madrid’s history.
With a busy schedule in La Liga and the Champions League, the English player will have opportunities to prove his worth. Alexander-Arnold’s task is to adapt to the system and become the distinct full-back that Real Madrid desperately needs.
Read on Popidol: These are Tom Cruise’s most remarkable stunts of all time!
