As debuts go, it could have gone a lot better for Trent Alexander-Arnold in his first outing with Real Madrid.
The former Liverpool right-back was handed his first start by Xabi Alonso since completing his much-vaunted move to the Spanish giant as Real opened its Club World Cup campaign against Saudi side Al-Hilal. Having spent $11.4 million in order to release him from his contract at Anfield early, Los Blancos’ hopes were clearly high for their new addition.
It wasn’t to be a performance for the ages though, from Alexander-Arnold or Real for that matter, with last year’s Champions League winner only able to claim a 1-1 draw from their opening group game.
For Alexander-Arnold, things could certainly have gone better. The former Red looked more than a little nervous at times, with his usual passing range lacking as a few of his crosses and long balls failed to find their intended target.
And there was plenty of attention given to his defensive efforts, with the 26-year-old given a let-off early on when Al-Hilal saw a goal ruled out for offside after Alexander-Arnold had lost Renan Lodi.
With the heat in Miami clearly taking its toll, not just on Alexander-Arnold but all of the players, Alonso decided to cut short the Scouser’s debut as he made way for Lucas Vazquez with 25 minutes to go.
Madrid wouldn’t be able to find a winner though, with Ruben Neves’ penalty canceling out Gonzalo Garcia’s opener as Federico Valverde missed a stoppage time penalty.
Trent Alexander-Arnold in action for Real Madrid against Al-Hilal
Trent Alexander-Arnold in action for Real Madrid against Al-Hilal (Image: Getty Images)
The Spanish media has now given their verdict on Alexander-Arnold’s first appearance for his new club, and they’re in agreement that there is definitely room for improvement.
In its report on the game, Marca noted Alexander-Arnold’s early mistake for Al-Hilal’s offside goal, but otherwise remained somewhat on the fence about his performance.
“Before the 20-minute mark, Lodi, the left wing-back, scored-just like old times at the Metropolitano,” they wrote.
“He started in an offside position but took advantage of Trent's channel, who was less attentive defensively than when stepping into midfield with the ball. He has good technique and will contribute - a lot.”
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Marca would go on to add: “Guler came on after the break. It wasn't a natural change, as he replaced Asencio. Tchouameni slotted into center back, Valverde moved to holding midfield. Within a minute, Vinicius broke through, Arda hit the crossbar, Vini tried again, and Gonzalo headed just over. Bono saved a close-range shot. The substitution made Madrid more exciting. They attacked more. But, of course, they also left more gaps at the back. Huijsen stood out, as if he'd been anchoring Madrid's defense for years. That's when Trent began to show fatigue.
“He looked exhausted chasing Marcos Leonardo, which led to his substitution.”
Giving their player ratings after the game, Defensa Central awarded Alexander-Arnold a 5, with only Raul Asencio scoring lower on 4, although it should also be mentioned that Gonzalo Garcia was the only player to score higher than 6 as Real disappointed in general.
Summing up Alexander-Arnold’s performance, they wrote: “First great debut for a FIFA Club World Cup where the former Liverpool player finally dressed in white. Some problems in the retreat during the first half. Good in the ball exit and with a foot that you can see is a real glove.
“Discreet debut and where, although there is much to correct, the profile of footballer that has been incorporated into the club is confirmed above all.”