Trent Alexander-Arnold has found life tough since switching from Liverpool to Real Madrid
Trent Alexander-Arnold of Real Madrid looks on during the LaLiga EA Sports match between Real Madrid CF and Real Sociedad at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on February 14, 2026 in Madrid, Spain.
Trent Alexander-Arnold moved to Spain last summer(Image: Denis Doyle/Getty Images)
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Trent Alexander-Arnold is beginning to settle in a new-look Real Madrid squad following a difficult start to life in Spain. The former Liverpool defender departed Anfield in the summer of 2025 for pastures new in La Liga, having previously spent the entirety of his career in the Premier League.
The 27-year-old completed a £10million move to the Spanish giants last year in a deal sewn up before the FIFA Club World Cup. Despite expectations being high for the full-back, things haven't exactly gone to plan so far.
He has made just 13 appearances for Madrid with injuries hindering his time at the club. Xabi Alonso's sacking also threw a wrench into the plans.
Alvaro Arbeloa reportedly told the defender that he could look for a new club in the summer, as he was not part of the squad's long-term plans. However, it seems that this decision has been put on hold following an impressive performance against Real Sociedad on Valentine's Day.
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The right-back started the game and assisted Gonzalo Garcia within the first five minutes to make it 1-0 to Madrid. He was substituted in the 60th minute as Madrid led 4-1 and received praise from his current boss.
Speaking post-match, Arbeloa was quick to point out the hard work Alexander-Arnold has put in to impress him. He said: "From what I have been working on with him and what I have been able to discuss with him, he seems like a very intelligent guy.
Gonzalo García of Real Madrid celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal during the LaLiga EA Sports match between Real Madrid CF and Real Sociedad at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on February 14, 2026 in Madrid, Spain.
The defender has finally begun to settle in(Image: Helios de la Rubia/Real Madrid via Getty Images)
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"He understands the game very well and quickly grasps what we want from him and where we can make the most of his abilities. He is not the typical full-back who will always stay wide; he can play a lot inside in our system, where we want them to move and interchange positions.
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"It’s a privilege to have a player like him, who can play inside and also move wide."
These compliments speak volumes about Alexander-Arnold's stance within the club as many believed he would be heading out of Spain come the summer. Now, it seems like Arbeloa may want to keep the defender around after all.
The ex-Red posted a return slideshow on his Instagram with the caption: "Good to be back."
It looks like fans are pleased to see Alexander-Arnold back where he belongs as one wrote: "My Guy good to see you back."
Another said: "We are too blessed," while a third added:"The passing today was [fire]."
Another noted: "Welcome back Trent."
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