Real Madrid beat Celta Vigo, but the Spanish media are calling Trent Alexander-Arnold out for his part in the goal that they conceded at Balaidos on Friday night
Trent Alexander-Arnold looks down during a Rea Madrid match
Trent Alexander-Arnold continues to split opinions at Real Madrid(Image: Getty Images)
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Trent Alexander-Arnold is the subject of fresh criticism in Spain after looking "lost" for Real Madrid in their 2-1 win over Celta Vigo.
Fingers are pointing at the full-back, who is called the "least defensively minded" one in LaLiga, for the goal Madrid conceded. Aurelien Tchouameni put them ahead after a short Alexander-Arnold corner, and the former Liverpool vice-captain had also set up Vinicius Junior earlier.
Alexander-Arnold played the Brazil international through on goal, only for him to hit the post. Criticism, however, centres on Celta's equaliser through Borja Iglesias and how they defended a similar long ball over the top.
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Jose Maria Rodriguez wrote in Marca: "[Celta] knew how and where to hurt [Madrid]. A long ball over the top of Trent was all it took for Williot to expose the least defensively minded full-back in LaLiga. He outpaced him, cut inside, and laid the ball back comfortably for Borja Iglesias to finish the job.
Jose Luis Calderon wrote in his player ratings for the newspaper: "He contributes a lot in attack but also takes a lot away in defence. He was incredibly weak on Celta's equaliser.
"Swedberg got behind him, then lost his position in the race. He failed to cut inside and conceded a back pass that Borja Iglesias capitalised on.
"His overall performance included a goal 'gifted' in both defence and attack, a great long ball that set up Vinicius in a one-on-one with Radu." Another of the publication's journalists said: "Good grief, Trent, what a defensive display from the Englishman on that goal, if you can even call it defensive.
"Slow, out of position, and then lost inside the box. This is Trent, the one who made it 1-1, played very poorly at the back, and also the one who assisted Vinicius on the shot that hit the post. Whether he has the ball or not, it's a completely different story.
His first half performance received a '4', but it improved to a 5 by full-time. Calderon explained: "More reliable in defence, or at least suffering less, and with some attacking forays that troubled the Sky Blue defence. Even so, he's a step down from the level he showed weeks ago—less of a difference than he had been."
Juan Ignacio Garcia-Ochoa, however, has come to the player's defence. He wrote in Marca: "Don't be shocked by Alexander-Arnold. He's always been like this.
"Klopp said it himself right after leaving Liverpool: "I just failed to teach him how to defend. Anyone who regularly watched Liverpool knew that Trent isn't exactly a defensive hound; his strength lies in pushing forward and distributing the ball with his exquisite passing.
"But defending? Forget it, as was proven once again with Celta's first goal. The only question is whether he doesn't know how or simply doesn't want to.
"So if you're a Real Madrid fan, don't get angry with the English full-back if you don't like his defensive performances; if anything, be angry with whoever signed him."