Trent Alexander-Arnold has reportedly been 'mocked' by Real Madrid team-mate Dani Carvajal, with footage appearing to show the Spain international making a gesture aimed at the former Liverpool star's defensive efforts
Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Claims suggest Trent Alexander-Arnold was targeted by Real Madrid icon Dani Carvajal for a jibe.(Image: Getty Images)
View Image
Former Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold is under the spotlight following reports that Spain veteran Dani Carvajal mocked the full-back.
In footage that has surfaced following their dramatic 1-1 stalemate with Real Betis, it has been claimed that Carvajal, 34, targeted his team-mate over his defensive work rate. The Spain international can be observed making a walking motion with his fingers on his leg as he watches from the substitutes' bench.
While there is nothing definitive about why the 34-year-old did so, the theory that has circulated on social media is that it relates to Alexander-Arnold in defensive transition as the opposition launch a counter-attack. Alexander-Arnold, who made the contentious switch from Liverpool to Los Blancos in the summer, has been selected by caretaker boss Alvaro Arbeloa in each of the previous five fixtures.
However, should the speculation prove accurate, it would indicate that tensions are simmering at the Spanish heavyweights. Footage captures Carvajal glancing across, exchanging words, wearing a puzzled expression, gesturing towards the pitch before mimicking a walking motion with his body.
The clip cuts to match action and shows Alexander-Arnold as he comes off second best in a challenge before Betis string together three passes and advance down the right flank.
Arbeloa was compelled to dismiss suggestions of a rift with the Spanish veteran after last selecting the 34 year old in the 3-2 victory over Atletico Madrid at the end of March.
*FOLLOW OUR LIVERPOOL FC FACEBOOK PAGE!All the latest news and analysis from Anfield on the Liverpool Echo's dedicated LFC Facebook page*
He said: "You can see, since I've been here, what my answers have been about him, and you can ask my players how I speak about Dani Carvajal with the group.
"People are trying to put an unjustified, unfair spin on this. He's more than ready to go to the World Cup. He's started games for us, and he's done well. He's a fundamental player, on and off the pitch, and for the national team it should be the same.
"He might be the most important academy product in the history of the club. I've always had a great relationship with him. It's hard for me to believe any coach would pick a team for non-sporting reasons."
The former Liverpool defender added: "Trent Alexander-Arnold is showing a great level. His performance is beyond doubt. Right now he deserves to play, and when he hasn't played, Carvajal has done well. I'm not a coach to gift a minute to anyone."
Madrid's hopes of closing the gap on Barcelona in the title race were dealt a crushing blow when former Arsenal defender Hector Bellerin thundered home a 94th-minute equaliser.
The Spanish giants now find themselves 11 points adrift of the pace, after Marcus Rashford's strike sealed a vital 2-0 victory at Getafe to further extend the lead.
Having already been eliminated from the Champions League by Bayern Munich and the Copa del Rey by second division side Albacete, Madrid's prospects of lifting any silverware this season are looking increasingly bleak.
From a personal perspective for the former Liverpool favourite, it has been a humbling first season in the Spanish capital.
After a troubled beginning, hampered by injury, he has battled his way back into the Los Blancos starting setup, but with the World Cup looming and having previously been left out of Thomas Tuchel's pre-tournament squad, he faces a steep climb to force his way into the German manager's thinking.
Content Image
Content Image