Trent Alexander-Arnold took the decision to run down his Liverpool contract in order to gain a move to Real Madrid on the best possible terms.
Originally conceived as a free transfer, Los Blancos ended up paying an £8.4m fee for the 26-year-old, who had to be released one month early from his Liverpool contract.
READ MORE: Liverpool get answer in swap deal bid for England star
Madrid and new coach Xabi Alonso were determined to have Alexander-Arnold in the squad for the ongoing FIFA Club World Cup in the United States.
READ MORE: England under-20 star among SEVEN confirmed Liverpool departures
The 15-time European champions booked their place in the quarter-finals by beating Juventus in the last-16 - courtesy of a Gonzalo Garcia goal which was assisted by Trent.
Trent exposed at CWC
And while the right-back’s attacking prowess has never been in doubt -hitting over 100 goal involvements during his Liverpool career - he has never been the most natural defender.
That is a point now picked up inside the Madrid dressing room - with whispers in the Spanish press that some factions have already turned against the new arrival over his defensive shortcomings.
Alexander-Arnold is playing wing-back in Alonso’s new 3-4-3 system - spending most of his time in the opposition half.
He has looked ill at ease going the other way during the CWC however with Kenan Yildiz in particular giving him a stern examination on Tuesday night.
Madrid dressing room 'discontent' over Trent
Now Don Balon has produced an EXPLOSIVE report, which claims that Madrid’s established stars are unhappy with the so-called privileges Trent has been afforded.
“Several members of the dressing room are already expressing reservations,” the report states. “They believe Trent, whom they call "Alonso's protégé," has yet to prove himself decisive in defensive duties, where he struggles in one-on-one situations and can leave spaces exposed.
“There is discontent among internal factions who consider it unfair that he receives differential treatment, especially when other players with lesser stature must fulfill strict tactical obligations from day one."
© IMAGO
'Greater balance is required'
“Inside sources confirm that, while the club appreciates his adaptation and attacking creativity, greater balance is required: good footwork isn't enough; his defensive reliability is key to earning everyone's trust,” the report states.
"So far, he's done well, but he needs to prove he's a true full-back, not just a brilliant wing-back," is one of the recurring comments among his critics."
Alexander-Arnold is not seen as a luxury signing inside Madrid. Indeed former midfielder Alonso sees him as integral for how the new-look Madrid will play. But the special treatment that Alonso has given Trent won’t last forever - according to the report.
© IMAGO
Pressure on Trent to 'raise his level'
“Xabi Alonso has been clear: Trent is fundamental to his system, especially in quick breaks and building from the back. For now, Xabi supports him and gives him plenty of room to adapt,” the report continues.
READ MORE:Fabrizio Romano confirms Liverpool in talks to sign amazing forward
“However, the manager has also indirectly conveyed to the locker room that there will be no eternal privileges. The message is clear: performance, not name, will define each player's role.
“The pressure is on the British full-back to raise his level and earn the group's full respect.”