Trent Alexander-Arnold Faces Harsh Welcome in Spain After Underwhelming Real Madrid Debut
‘Failed to Contribute’: Spanish Media Criticise Alexander-Arnold’s First Real Madrid Appearance at Club World Cup
It was supposed to be the beginning of a bold new chapter in the career of Trent Alexander-Arnold, the kind of debut fans dream of when they swap the only club they’ve ever known for one of the biggest names in global football. But the English right-back’s first game for Real Madrid turned out to be anything but a fairytale start.
After his much-anticipated move from Liverpool to the Spanish capital for a modest fee of £8.4 million (€10m), Alexander-Arnold was handed his debut in Madrid’s Club World Cup opener against Al-Hilal. However, his 65-minute outing was met with stinging criticism from several leading Spanish outlets, who questioned his sharpness, confidence, and overall contribution.
A Debut to Forget Against Al-Hilal
The match itself was far from a thriller—a 1-1 draw that saw Gonzalo Garcia score for Madrid before Ruben Neves equalised from the penalty spot for the Saudi Arabian side. Alexander-Arnold started the match at right-back and was tasked with operating in a slightly more inverted role under new boss Xabi Alonso.
But whether it was the new system, nerves, or simply a lack of match rhythm, the 26-year-old never really settled. He was substituted just after the hour mark for Lucas Vazquez, and the headlines that followed the game were far from forgiving.
Spanish Media Deliver Brutal Player Ratings
Among the more pointed assessments came from SPORT, who issued a 5/10 rating, claiming Alexander-Arnold “never looked comfortable” in the role Alonso had given him.
“Xabi Alonso positioned him inside with the ball, but he never looked comfortable or created any advantage. Physically far from his best, it wasn’t the best debut for the Englishman, who also failed to contribute offensively.”
Meanwhile, Football Espana echoed those sentiments, noting that while expectations were high, the performance fell noticeably flat.
“There has been much talk about Trent Alexander-Arnold ahead of his debut, but it was an underwhelming one. He was not at his best defensively and struggled to make an impact in attack before being substituted.”
Perhaps the most damning verdict came from AS, who handed Alexander-Arnold a blank rating—meaning his performance wasn’t deemed good enough for a numerical score. It’s a rare and harsh judgment, typically reserved for players who leave little impression or fall well short of expectations.
AS added that he and fellow summer arrival Dean Huijsen “have much to do” if they are to live up to the expectations set upon them. The publication reminded readers that Alexander-Arnold had been signed to “terrorise the opposition” and “produce immediately”—a bar that, by their standards, he failed to clear.
A Rocky Start, But Too Soon to Panic
Trent Alexander-Arnold Real Madrid 2025 FIFA Club World Cup
For all the critiques, it’s important to inject a note of perspective. New signings often take time to adjust, and Alexander-Arnold arrived in Madrid during a transitional moment for the club, with the legendary Carlo Ancelotti stepping aside and Xabi Alonso taking the reins.
Alexander-Arnold is also adapting to a new tactical role—one that requires different positioning and awareness compared to the system he thrived in at Liverpool. It’s not simply a case of plugging in a new player and expecting fireworks.
Also worth considering is the timing. This is a Club World Cup tournament that’s eaten into what would normally be pre-season preparation. There has been little opportunity for Alonso to drill his new ideas into the squad or for new players to find chemistry with their teammates.
Trent’s Big Decision: From Liverpool Icon to Madrid Project
That said, the spotlight will only grow brighter in the Spanish capital. Alexander-Arnold made the emotional and career-defining decision to leave Liverpool, the club he had supported since childhood and where he became a European and Premier League champion. In doing so, he rejected a contract extension and joined a Real Madrid side undergoing significant change.
With the arrival of stars like Kylian Mbappe, Endrick, and Alphonso Davies (expected soon), and the emergence of younger names such as Arda Güler and Jude Bellingham, the pressure on every position is immense. Alexander-Arnold was signed to bring technical quality, set-piece threat, and attacking drive from the right flank—a profile not typical of Madrid full-backs in recent years.
The margin for error is small, and while his debut might be best forgotten, Madrid fans will expect much more—and quickly.
What’s Next for Alexander-Arnold and Real Madrid?
There won’t be much time for reflection. Real Madrid’s next test at the Club World Cup comes against Pachuca on Sunday, and Alonso will have a tough call to make on whether to persist with Alexander-Arnold or bench him in favour of the more experienced Vazquez.
There’s no doubt Alexander-Arnold will be desperate to put things right. With his technical ability, passing range, and experience in high-stakes matches, he has the tools to succeed. But success in Madrid isn’t just about talent—it’s about temperament, too.
And right now, the Englishman will have to show he has the mentality to bounce back from what was, by all accounts, a nervy and disappointing debut.
If history has taught us anything, though, it’s this: writing off Trent Alexander-Arnold has never been a wise idea.
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