Image Credits: Imago Images
Trent Alexander-Arnold’s highly anticipated move to Real Madrid has not gone according to plan since completing his summer transfer from Liverpool.
The England international has found himself struggling to establish a foothold in the Spanish capital, with a combination of injury setbacks and competition limiting his appearances so far.
A hamstring injury sustained just five minutes into Real Madrid’s Champions League clash against Marseille in mid-September proved to be a significant early setback, forcing the 27-year-old to miss seven games during September and October.
Even before that blow, Alexander-Arnold had already been facing an uphill battle for the right-back position, with veteran Dani Carvajal maintaining his status as the preferred option when fit.
Manager Xabi Alonso’s decision to deploy versatile midfielder Federico Valverde at right-back instead of Alexander-Arnold has also raised eyebrows.
Reports from Spain this week revealed that the defender has taken matters into his own hands during the international break, travelling to Dubai for intensive warm weather training with specialists after not being called up by England.
But it seems his England spot is also in danger with Thomas Tuchel now revealing that former Liverpool man Jarell Quansah is a “little bit ahead” of Trent Alexander-Arnold:
“It’s my job now to make contact with everyone, players like Trent,” Tuchel said as quoted by the Guardian.
“Players that are on our longlist, 55, 60 players, to reach out to them, be in touch with them, explain to them why they were not here. Explain to them what they have to do, where they can improve. Can they even do something or is it just a choice? So this is my job in the next weeks and months.”
“I have a lot of trust in Jarell. I see his talent but I see the package. He is tall, he is fast, he is strong in buildup, he is strong in the air. I saw him very strong playing for Liverpool in this position. I always wanted to try.”
“And he plays every minute for Leverkusen since the under-21 Euros. He is at the moment a tiny bit ahead.”
It comes after Jarell Quansah made his England debut in England’s 2-0 win over Albania over the weekend.
Despite being called up to five different England squads under Gareth Southgate, Lee Carsley, and Tuchel, injuries delayed his debut.
But speaking after the first cap, the defender said:
“First and foremost, this one of the greatest days of my life to be fair,” the 22-year-old began.
“Being part of the group, obviously perfect in qualifying… means a lot to me.”
“I want thank the coaching staff for giving me the opportunity and helping out, then to you guys [players] as well.”
“Seeing some of the lads who I have won tournaments and seeing us come through the age groups and some of the senior, more experienced players as well.”
“It’s a massive honour and I’m so grateful… thank you”.
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