Trent Alexander-Arnold was surprisingly named on the bench as Real Madrid beat Real Oviedo over the weekend and boss Xabi Alonso has warned the England star that he could stay there
Alexander-Arnold
Alexander-Arnold has been told that his place is not guaranteed
(Image: Getty Images)
Real Madrid boss Xabi Alonso has suggested that Trent Alexander-Arnold could remain on the bench after dropping him at the weekend. The Spanish giants took on Real Oviedo in their second La Liga match of the season.
And surprisingly, ex-Liverpool defender Alexander-Arnold started the game on the bench in favour of veteran Dani Carvajal. He eventually did make an appearance but only as an 87th-minute substitute.
Asked about his decision, Real boss Alonso suggested that no one is guaranteed of a starting spot. He said: “It depends on what we need in terms of the game, the workload and the opposition.
“I haven't made a decision for the next month. I'm going to see how we recover and to make sure that people feel important and ready to start, come off the bench or be able to be in the next game.
“This is important for the stability of the team's performance. Today was a game to show that we're still improving. We want to continue like this, now we'll prepare for the Mallorca game before the break.
“We have twenty-odd players in the squad and I'm going to try to get the best out of all of them. Sometimes you can have a few minutes and be important, today Vini was important. My intention is that everyone contributes to the team. That's going to be the norm.”
While Alonso did not namecheck Alexander-Arnold specifically, he was full of praise for his teammate Carvajal. The Real boss suggested that the full-back's form could potentially be good enough to see him regain a spot back in the Spain squad ahead of next summer’s World Cup in the USA.
He added: “He'd like to return, but it's the coach's decision. I'm very happy that he's regaining his confidence after such a long injury. At the Club World Cup, he was in the mood, but he needed more time.
Trent Alexander-Arnold
Trent Alexander-Arnold was benched during Real Madrid's last outing
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“And he still does, but today he played 85 minutes very much in the Carvajal style. Competing well, communicating and taking that leadership role. Bringing a lot of sense to everything. Hopefully he'll go and, if not, he'll go soon.”
Real are back in action this weekend as they take on Mallorca away from home. They have won each of their opening two games of the campaign.
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