Liverpool fans keeping a close eye on events in Madrid will have taken note of Trent Alexander-Arnold’s debut – for many different reasons.
The 26-year-old made his first appearance for Real Madrid in their Club World Cup group stage game against Al Hilal, but the night quickly unravelled.
The Englishman, who left us for £10 million with only weeks left on his contract, lasted only 65 minutes before being replaced by Lucas Vazquez.
Statistically, it was a bruising start. According to SofaScore, he lost 75% of his ground duels, failed to win a single aerial battle, surrendered possession 12 times, and ended the game with a rating of just 6.8.
That alone, in a 1-1 draw, would have set off plenty of conversations among our supporters but what Xabi Alonso had to say afterwards may make it worse.
Alonso’s Trent verdict after poor debut performance
The former Liverpool midfielder, now head coach at Real Madrid, was surprisingly upbeat about Trent and fellow debutant Dean Huijsen despite the underwhelming display.
Speaking to RealMadrid.com, Alonso said: “First I’d like to congratulate them, because this is a big day for them.
“Making a Real Madrid debut will surely have an impact on them. I’m thrilled because they have that personality and they’ll be important players for us. Having them here will give us added quality.”
While Alonso’s comments seem aimed at protecting his players, they stand in stark contrast to the performance many witnessed.
It’s the kind of sugar-coated reaction that will leave plenty of Liverpool fans unconvinced – particularly given how things ended for the No.66 at Anfield.
Alexander-Arnold’s departure has already sparked debate over who will now permanently take the right-back role.
Conor Bradley is viewed as a long-term contender, while Jeremie Frimpong’s arrival from Leverkusen this summer only fuels that competition.
Frimpong’s signing from Bayer Leverkusen shows our intent to reshape the right side of our defence.
Trent debut struggles underline why we moved on
Given the nature of his exit, some supporters will feel vindicated by how things began in Madrid.
The former Liverpool vice-captain’s struggles only highlight the risk Real Madrid have taken – and perhaps, the wisdom in us letting him go when we did.
Alonso’s praise might be seen as diplomatic, but after a performance like that, it’s hard to see where the excitement is coming from.
Our decision to let Alexander-Arnold join Madrid for £10m raised eyebrows but could now look inspired.
Real Madrid will face Pachuca and RB Salzburg in their next Club World Cup matches, but if Trent is to keep his place, much will need to improve – and fast.
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The only thing madrid got wrong is he ain’t a right back they will see and sadly for TAA he won’t play in midfield he is gona look for new club in 2 seasons 😕
Absolutely, he is great in attack but was always a weak link on our right flank, a weakness that opposition teams took full advantage of. He has been tried in midfield by both Klopp and in the England side and did not really shine in that position. Madrid will have to adjust their defence to cover his short comings
Agreed
It’s only his debut, but it’s not easy at Madrid b.c Danny is coming & he is world class right back. Any ways hopefully Trent will shine.
It’s crazy to see the hate for TAA,LFC for life and thank you TAA.its the first match allow him the freedom any player deserves.mad that he left but nothing is everlasting accept my love for LFC.
It reflects the greedy and tight-fisted nature of the English. No surprise dear.
I’m a LFC fan since 1971 when I was 7 and they lost the cup final to Arsenal. I don’t understand this obsession with scrutiny of Trent’s debut for RM. Its one game and his first. Its ss if people wish things to go badly for him. Many people in life change jobs to try new experiences. Why not wish the young man well and move on and focus on the team and support incoming players
I totally agree with you. At this point in time we need to wish TAA well as he ventures out there and also hope that his replacement in our Liverpool team performs well. It is only one game and for that matter a debut which we cannot use to gauge his performance.
i swear Alonso will destroy real Madrid more he’s not qualify to coach real Madrid image first match you are complaining he should have give 45 minutes why Lucas 45 minutes
You’re spot on. I’m an LFC fan too. Seen them come and go. Time to.move on.
I wish Trent well in his new endeavour. It was great when he played for us now he’s gone I wish him good tidings.
Forever LFC Supporter.
At Real Madrid they want a right back who’s a nuisance to either strikers or wingers , and at the same time who’s fast….Dani and Lucas are good at that
You’re spot on. I’m an LFC fan too. Seen them come and go. Time to.move on.
Looking forward to seeing him in the Turkish league next.
All will surely be well with Trent. It’s usually like that with Madrid in the beginning. But with time RM will settle for the best. Also considering that the coach is acclimatizing with the team. It’s usually not easy at the beginning generally. Halla…..
Trent lacks the ability to be a good defence RB. He struggled at LFC, he will struggle even more at RM. His an electrifying playmaker……but I fear it might not be enough.
Trent vacated a position filled by a very exciting player- Jeremie Frimpong. Exciting times ahead for the LFC fans…….let’s hope TAA’ playmaking skills carry him to glory at RM.
Go n destroy Madrid my good lad.. Remember your true role lol
Welcome TAA to the Bernabeu.
We fully support you and wish you all the best.
HALAA MADRID!
“Our decision to let Alexander-Arnold join Madrid”.
That could not be further from what actually happened – Trent forced the move, not the other way around. We were (rightly) desperate for him to stay, hence the mega-salary offer we made him
To say we let him go is as deluded as saying if it wasn’t for us, the earth would stop spinning.
Give the lad a chance. One iffy game on debut and all of sudden he’s done for. What is the matter with people?
Real Madrid have got the bargain of a century. Their forward line must be eagerly anticipating those long balls over the top to latch onto someone’s run towards the box. Not many players can do that but TAA is one of them.
Real Madrid know that he’s not the best right back ever defensively but going forward is where he shines. They know exactly what they’ve got.
I’m a life long Liverpool fan and wanted him to stay but we got £10m for him rather than nothing in a few weeks so it was a no brainer. Nothing lasts for ever and people change their jobs all the time so why not him.
He needs time to adjust, simple. We are looking at an overhauled car engine here (the Real Madrid yeam). You can’t expect higher speed after the service. Same with these guys, we need to be patient with them. The new guys were under a lot of pressure. Let’s support them.