Trent Alexander-Arnold has endured a difficult start to life at Real Madrid and the decision made by Xabi Alonso for the clash against Rayo Vallecano spoke volumes
Trent Alexander-Arnold appeared to only being subbed on for Real Madrid against Rayo Vallecano because of an injury to Federico Valverde
Trent Alexander-Arnold appeared to only being subbed on for Real Madrid against Rayo Vallecano because of an injury to Federico Valverde
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Trent Alexander-Arnold has endured another setback following his return to Liverpool with Real Madrid earlier this week, where his side suffered defeat. The 27-year-old departed Anfield to sign for Los Blancos on a free transfer this summer, although a £10million fee was paid to Liverpool to allow him to participate in the Club World Cup.
Injury has limited Alexander-Arnold to just 169 minutes of competitive action this season, with nine of those coming from the bench against Liverpool. Given how he left the club, it was hardly surprising he received a hostile reception when introduced, with supporters even applauding his wayward passes.
Before his brief appearance, Alexander-Arnold had been sidelined for over a month, remaining an unused substitute in Real's previous two La Liga fixtures. He had also only made two league starts since his summer move.
Having trained for several weeks, Real manager Xabi Alonso was directly asked whether the full-back was fit enough to start for the first time since late August, with his answer proving quite revealing.
"Yes, [Trent] is ready, he's been training for a few weeks," former Liverpool midfielder Alonso said in a press conference on Saturday. "Tomorrow you'll know if he starts or not. In the circumstances, [Valverde] has played there and done well. He's always ready to help the team. It's an option we have."
Alonso's mention of Valverde in his response seemed to hint at the Uruguayan maintaining his position, and that's exactly how it unfolded. For Sunday's match against Rayo Vallecano, it was Valverde who took up the right-back position, leaving Alexander-Arnold on the bench.
It appears evident that the England international is currently second choice to Valverde. The match was goalless at half-time, with Alonso deciding to make a defensive substitution as Dean Huijsen was replaced by Eder Militao after receiving a booking in the first 45 minutes.
Alexander-Arnold did eventually get his chance in the 83rd minute when Valverde sustained an injury, potentially opening up an opportunity for him to regain a more permanent spot in the team. However, he could not help Real find a winner as they dropped points.
Trent Alexander-Arnold of Real Madrid shoots whilst under pressure from Pedro Diaz of Rayo Vallecano
Trent Alexander-Arnold of Real Madrid shoots whilst under pressure from Pedro Diaz of Rayo Vallecano
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They are still currently leading La Liga, having only dropped points in two matches before their draw at Vallecano, so it's hardly surprising that Alonso is making minimal changes. The Spanish heavyweights also boasted a flawless winning streak in the Champions League prior to their trip to Merseyside.
Liverpool controlled that match and, if anything, Alexander-Arnold's late introduction seemed to disadvantage Real. This was because the home fans appeared to further rally behind their team to secure the win, achieving a second consecutive clean sheet following their victory over Aston Villa the previous weekend.
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