Former Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold faced Manchester City in the Champions League
Trent Alexander-Arnold of Real Madrid
Spanish media have given their thoughts on Trent Alexander-Arnold(Image: Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
View 2 Images
Trent Alexander-Arnold savoured Real Madrid’s victory over Manchester City on Wednesday night. The Spanish side raced into a 3-0 lead at the Bernabeu, making a perfect start to their Champions League round of 16 tie.
Manager Alvaro Arbeloa named Alexander-Arnold in his starting XI, and the former Liverpool full-back would have been delighted by Fede Valverde’s first-half hat-trick. The Uruguayan midfielder earned all the plaudits, but Spanish outlets had a mixed reaction to Alexander-Arnold’s performance.
His one-on-one battle with City winger Jeremy Doku proved to be a cause for concern. Pep Guardiola’s team were unable to improve the early scoreline, but the right-back’s efforts to thwart Doku came under scrutiny.
However, the England international was praised for raising his game after the interval. The 3-0 result gives City a huge deficit to overcome ahead of the return leg at the Etihad Stadium next week.
FOLLOW OUR LIVERPOOL FC FACEBOOK PAGE!All the latest news and analysis from Anfield on the Liverpool Echo's dedicated LFC Facebook page
Alexander-Arnold will hope to retain his place in the team as Los Blancos look to secure their place in the quarter-finals. Here is what Spanish media thought about the ex-Liverpool star’s performance.
AS
Spanish publication AS described Alexander-Arnold as being “by far the weakest link” in Madrid’s backline. The report stated that the 27-year-old was “unable to contain Doku”, requiring Valverde's help on the right flank.
He was also claimed to be “somewhat nervous and imprecise in possession”. While that would mark a departure from his usual game, Alexander-Arnold was praised for a playful chip shortly before being substituted in the 83rd minute.
Sport
The Spanish outlet gave him a six out of 10 in their player ratings. Sport described the defender as “one of Madrid’s key players in building attacks”.
Trent Alexander-Arnold and Jeremy Doku
Alexander-Anrold was up against Manchester City winger Jeremy Doku(Image: Alberto Gardin/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images)
View 2 Images
However, the report added that he “struggled defensively” against Doku. The City attacker was praised for his front-footed approach against the former Liverpool man.
Sport explained that Alexander-Arnold improved in the second half. Meanwhile, Doku faded out of the game after a bright start.
Marca
Marca also gave the full-back a six out of 10 for his display. The report echoed the same criticism of Alexander-Arnold struggling against Doku in the first half.
The verdict on his first 45 minutes read: “Too much work on defence to shine on offence.” However, that changed after the break.
The outlet said he reached a “a truce” with Doku and improved defensively. Alexander-Arnold was credited with becoming “more solid” after overcoming the winger’s early success.
Buy Blood Red, our monthly Liverpool FC print publication for just £3.50 by clicking here