Ex-Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold made his debut for Real Madrid on Wednesday in the FIFA Club World Cup
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Real Madrid defender Trent Alexander-Arnold, formerly of Liverpool
Real Madrid defender Trent Alexander-Arnold, formerly of Liverpool
Trent Alexander-Arnold admits he realised a dream by making his Real Madrid debut as the former Liverpool defender revealed how long he had been preparing for the transfer. Alexander-Arnold was handed a start and came through 65 minutes as Real were surprisingly held to a 1-1 draw by Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal in their opening game at the controversial FIFA Club World Cup in the United States on Wednesday.
It was his first appearance for the European Super League advocates since arriving earlier this month in a deal worth £10million to Liverpool.
And Alexander-Arnold had mixed feelings over an occasion he believes is the wish of the majority of footballers.
"It's an incredible day to make a debut for Real Madrid," he said. "It's something I think almost every player dreams of, so to achieve it is huge for me.
"Of course there's disappointment in there to have not won the game. It's the mentality you need to have as a Real Madrid to want to and expect to win every game you play in. But there were a lot of positives, especially in the second half."
Of the Real Madrid support inside the stadium, Alexander-Arnold added: "It was incredible. I felt the support the moment I signed for the club, to be honest. Absolutely sensational.
"A fanbase that is truly global all over the world, you feel it every single day at the training ground, the hotel and all over social media. And we dominated the stands today as well which was incredible as well. The support was truly amazing."
Alexander-Arnold had informed Liverpool boss Arne Slot of his intention to leave in March. And he was asked on DAZN how long he had been learning Spanish after surprising even Real Madrid's hierarchy by speaking in the native tongue of his new club on his unveiling earlier this month.
"Not too long, a couple of months," he added. "It's something I found was very important to do so.
"I want to adapt and give myself the best start possible. Going to a new country, new city, new team it's important to show I want to embrace the culture, immerse myself in it and try to adapt as best as possible. That was important for me to do so."
Meanwhile, Real boss Xabi Alonso - the former Liverpool midfielder taking charge of his first game - responded to questions about Alexander-Arnold and another debutant, ex-Bournemouth centre-back Dean Huijsen.
“First I'd like to congratulate them, because this is a big day for them," said Alonso. "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."