Dani Carvajal Competitive Edge Could Keep Trent Alexander-Arnold on the Bench
Xabi Alonso Backs Real Madrid Captain Ahead of Champions League Clash
When Trent Alexander-Arnold made the bold move from Liverpool to Real Madrid this summer, many expected the England international to walk straight into the starting XI and claim the right-back position as his own. After all, he was leaving Anfield as one of the Premier League’s most creative full-backs, a Champions League winner, and a player whose passing range was the envy of Europe. But in Madrid, things are rarely that simple.
Real Madrid’s newly appointed captain Dani Carvajal, once thought to be approaching the twilight of his career, has staged a sensational comeback from a devastating ACL injury — and Xabi Alonso, the man now tasked with leading Los Blancos, couldn’t be happier about it.
Alonso, speaking ahead of Madrid’s Champions League opener against Marseille, hailed Carvajal’s “competitive gene” and hinted that the veteran defender will remain fundamental to his plans. That might be bad news for Alexander-Arnold, who has started just two of Madrid’s first four La Liga games and was limited to eight minutes against Real Sociedad at the weekend.
Carvajal’s Remarkable Comeback Story
When Carvajal went down with a torn ACL last season, many feared that was the beginning of the end for the 33-year-old. Critics questioned whether he could ever return to his old level, especially in a Madrid side known for its relentless demands on full-backs. Yet here he is, not just back but thriving — defending with intensity, bombing forward when needed, and showing all the leadership qualities you’d expect from a Real Madrid captain.
His return has been so seamless that you could almost forget he spent months on the sidelines. After making a short cameo in the Club World Cup to ease back into competitive action, Carvajal has since looked sharp and hungry, as though determined to prove his doubters wrong.
This resurgence is particularly satisfying for Madrid fans who supported the club’s decision to extend his contract last October — a move that was met with skepticism when it was announced just hours after he was stretchered off the pitch. Now, that gamble looks like a masterstroke.
“Healthy” Competition – But One Clear Favourite
Head coach Xabi Alonso has rotated his full-backs early this season, giving both Carvajal and Alexander-Arnold two starts each in La Liga. On paper, that sounds like fair competition. But Alonso’s latest comments suggest that the former Liverpool man may need to get used to playing a supporting role for a while.
“Since he came in 2013-14, Carva has always had this competitive gene,” Alonso told reporters. “He was very important from day one — even helping us win the Champions League that first season. His personality and influence have grown over the years. Being a captain is more than just wearing an armband; it’s about responsibility, transmitting something to the group, and pulling everyone together. Carva does that.”
That kind of praise from a manager is telling. Alonso clearly views Carvajal not just as a player but as a cornerstone of Madrid’s identity. Replacing him is not simply a footballing decision — it’s an emotional one that could disrupt the dressing room’s balance.
And therein lies the challenge for Alexander-Arnold. He wasn’t brought in to sit on the bench, but he now finds himself in direct competition with a club captain whose form is forcing Alonso’s hand.
Trent’s Madrid Dream Faces a Reality Check
It was always going to be tricky for Alexander-Arnold to immediately dislodge a player as important as Carvajal. Even though he brings unique qualities — his passing from deep, his ability to create chances almost like a midfielder — Madrid’s system demands defensive solidity first. Carvajal, with his positional awareness and tireless work rate, provides exactly that.
For now, Trent will have to bide his time. Alonso insists the competition is “healthy,” and in the long run, this could benefit both players — pushing Carvajal to maintain his level while giving Alexander-Arnold a chance to adapt to La Liga’s rhythm and Madrid’s expectations.
Real Madrid’s Champions League Test
Madrid fans won’t have to wait long to see which full-back gets the nod in Europe. Los Blancos open their Champions League campaign at the Santiago Bernabéu on Tuesday night against Roberto De Zerbi’s Marseille. The French side are no pushovers, and Alonso will want to start with his most trusted players. Based on his recent comments, that likely means Carvajal gets the start.
After that, Madrid face Espanyol on Saturday as they aim to make it five wins from five in La Liga — another opportunity for Alonso to rotate, perhaps giving Alexander-Arnold a chance to impress.
What This Means Going Forward
The good news for Madrid is that they now have two world-class right-backs. Few clubs can boast that level of depth in such a specialized position. The bad news — at least from Trent’s perspective — is that he may need to wait longer than expected to truly make this position his own.
If Carvajal continues to perform at this level, Alexander-Arnold could find himself featuring more in rotations, Copa del Rey fixtures, and as an option off the bench in tight matches. That might not be what he envisioned when he swapped Merseyside for Madrid, but it could ultimately help prolong his career and allow him to develop new aspects of his game under Alonso’s guidance.
For now, though, Dani Carvajal remains the man in possession — and with Alonso calling him “fundamental” to the team’s plans, it will take something special for Trent to turn the tide in his favour.
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