Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso has offered reassurance to Trent Alexander-Arnold regarding his importance to the squad, despite the defender's sluggish beginning to his Spanish adventure.
The England international departed Liverpool for Los Blancos during the summer transfer window but has struggled to demonstrate his finest form for Real thus far, failing to nail down a regular starting spot at the Bernabeu.
A hamstring setback hindered his development in September, resulting in Alexander-Arnold managing merely five starting appearances this campaign. However, the former Reds defender has earned unwavering support from Liverpool legend Alonso, who represents another fresh addition to the Bernabeu this term.
Alonso made his return to Real as manager this summer, over ten years since his five-year playing spell in their midfield concluded.
Unlike Alexander-Arnold, Alonso made an immediate impact in the Spanish capital following his switch from Anfield in 2009.
Whilst he failed to secure silverware until his second season's conclusion with Real, Alonso swiftly established himself as an essential component in midfield.
Despite being unable to empathise with Alexander-Arnold in that regard, he has nonetheless leapt to defend his fellow Liverpool graduate amid his form difficulties.
"Trent is a top player, and we need him," declared the 2010 World Cup champion before Sunday's journey to Girona.
Real travel to Catalonia positioned second in La Liga, having surrendered top spot to rivals Barcelona following draws in their previous two league fixtures. Alonso continued: "It's his first year, and this adjustment period is normal. He's also demanding of himself, and we have to support him through this significant change."
A Kylian Mbappe quadruple propelled Los Blancos to a 4-3 victory over Olympiakos in the Champions League on Wednesday. Nevertheless, Real have shared the spoils in their previous two La Liga encounters and consequently fallen a couple of points adrift of Barcelona.
Trent Alexander-Arnold is substituted during a Real Madrid game
Trent Alexander-Arnold is substituted during a Real Madrid game (Image: Manu Reino/DeFodi Images/DeFodi via Getty Images)
Alexander-Arnold appeared in both those matches after entering as a substitute at Rayo Vallecano, before completing the full 90 minutes against Elche. He had been absent from seven consecutive league fixtures beforehand whilst recovering from injury.
Meanwhile, Federico Valverde has occupied much of Alonso's inaugural campaign at the helm, deputising at right-back. Spanish stalwart Dani Carvajal has also endured significant spells on the treatment table this season and remains sidelined with a knee problem.
Whilst his own Real arrival unfolded somewhat differently to Alexander-Arnold's, that doesn't prevent Alonso from sympathising with his player whatsoever. And despite rumoured speculation connecting him with a Madrid departure, Alonso remains resolute about the solidarity within his squad.
Speaking at the same pre-Girona press conference, he declared: "I've always felt that the team is united, and that we all know what the objective is: to reach the end [of the season] with a chance to win everything.
"We're together in the good times, and the not-so-good times. We have a good connection on a daily basis. Despite all the rumours and what some might say, we're very solid internally."