Spanish media have had their say on Trent Alexander-Arnold's performance for Real Madrid against Manchester City
Trent Alexander-Arnold of Real Madrid
Trent Alexander-Arnold started for Real Madrid against Manchester City in the Champions League(Image: NurPhoto, NurPhoto via Getty Images)
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Trent Alexander-Arnold relished Real Madrid's triumph over Manchester City on Wednesday evening. The Spanish team stormed into a 3-0 lead at the Bernabeu, making an impeccable start to their Champions League round of 16 tie.
Manager Alvaro Arbeloa selected Alexander-Arnold in his starting line-up, and the ex-Liverpool full-back would have been thrilled by Fede Valverde's first-half hat-trick. The Uruguayan midfielder garnered all the praise, but Spanish media had a mixed response to Alexander-Arnold's performance.
His one-on-one duel with City winger Jeremy Doku emerged as a concern. Pep Guardiola's squad were unable to better the early scoreline, but the right-back's attempts to stifle Doku attracted criticism.
However, the England international was commended for stepping up his game after half-time. The 3-0 outcome leaves City with a massive deficit to overturn ahead of the second leg at the Etihad Stadium next week.
Alexander-Arnold will be hoping to keep his place as Los Blancos aim to secure their place in the quarter-finals. Here's what the Spanish press thought about the former Liverpool star's performance.
AS
Spanish outlet AS dubbed Alexander-Arnold as being "by far the weakest link" in Madrid's defence. The report claimed that the 27-year-old was "unable to contain Doku", forcing Valverde to help out.
He was also described as appearing "somewhat nervous and imprecise in possession". While that would represent a shift from his typical performance, Alexander-Arnold was commended for a clever chip shortly before being substituted in the 83rd minute.
Sport
The Spanish publication awarded him a six out of 10 in their player ratings. Sport characterised the defender as "one of Madrid's key players in building attacks".
Trent Alexander-Arnold and Jeremy Doku
Alexander-Arnold was up against Manchester City winger Jeremy Doku(Image: Alberto Gardin/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images)
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However, the report noted that he "struggled defensively" against Doku. The City forward was praised for his attacking approach against the former Liverpool man.
Sport stated that Alexander-Arnold improved in the second half. Meanwhile, Doku's influence waned after a promising start.
Marca
Marca also scored the full-back a six out of 10 for his performance. The report echoed similar criticism of Alexander-Arnold struggling against Doku in the opening half.
The assessment of his first 45 minutes read: "Too much work on defence to shine on offence." However, that altered after the interval.
The publication suggested he reached "a truce" with Doku and improved defensively. Alexander-Arnold was credited with becoming "more solid" after overcoming the winger's early dominance.
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