Trent Alexander-Arnold made his La Liga debut for Real Madrid on Tuesday night
Trent Alexander-Arnold during his La Liga debut for Real Madrid(Image: Europa Press via Getty Images)
Real Madrid supporters rose for a standing ovation when Trent Alexander-Arnold was substituted on his La Liga debut – but the applause was not directed at the former Liverpool star. The 26-year-old's 20-year association with the Reds came to an end last season before his contract was due to expire at the end of June. Real Madrid paid the Reds £10million to secure his early release, allowing him to feature for the Spanish side in the Club World Cup, staged across the United States.
Alexander-Arnold featured in several matches but missed Real’s 4-0 semi-final defeat to PSG in New Jersey through injury. The England international made his first start in La Liga in Tuesday’s 1-0 win over Osasuna.
He was substituted in the 68th minute as the entire Santiago Bernabeu rose to their feet to welcome on Dani Carvajal, who was making his first appearance for Los Blancos in almost a year after recovering from an ACL injury.
The former Reds full-back took to Instagram after the game to share a message, writing: "Incredible sensation to play in my new home. Excellent way to begin the season with a victory." A series of photos was included in the post.
With Carvajal back in action, Alexander-Arnold will now have increased competition for a starting spot.
Speaking before the game, pundit Javier Herraez suggested the Englishman is 'nowhere near' the level he displayed during his time at Anfield.
"I’m waiting for Trent," he told Cadena SER. "He’s come to play, but I don’t see him in good shape. I’ve always liked watching the Premier League, watching this player. He’s better going forward than in defence, that’s more than obvious.
"He’s more of a wing player in a three-man defence than in a four-man defence. That’s where it’s hard for him to get deep. Trent has a month to get sharp, because if he doesn’t, Carvajal will eat him alive.
"But come on, it’s a piece of cake. That’s what I think based on what I saw at the Club World Cup and the friendly. Trent is nowhere near the Liverpool player. Maybe it’s preseason, but I haven’t seen him well."
Content Image
Content Image
For the latest news and breaking news, visit liverpoolecho.co.uk/all-about/liverpool-fc. Get all the big headlines, pictures, analysis, opinion and video on the stories that matter to you.
Follow us on Twitter @LivEchoLFC - the official Liverpool ECHO LFC Twitter account - for all the latest LFC news as it happens in real time.
We're also on Facebook/LiverpoolEchoLFC - your must-see LFC news, features, videos and pictures throughout the day from the Liverpool ECHO.
Listen to our podcasts by searching for 'Blood Red' wherever you get your podcasts.
Sign up for one of the Liverpool Echo's free daily and weekly newsletters on Liverpool FC by clicking here.