Trent Alexander-Arnold was dropped for Real Madrid's game against Real Oviedo, but it's not the first time the right-back has been left on the sidelines in his storied career
Jurgen Klopp talks to Trent Alexander-Arnold on the pitch
Jurgen Klopp once dropped Alexander-Arnold for a match against Manchester City in 2018
(Image: Getty Images)
Trent Alexander-Arnold likely never anticipated finding himself dropped to the bench in just Real Madrid's second game of the new campaign.
However, being omitted from the starting XI isn't completely unfamiliar territory for the defender, given that previous boss Jurgen Klopp once sidelined him for a pivotal Liverpool clash simply because it coincided with his birthday.
Alexander-Arnold's controversial and long in the making move to the Spanish giants took an unforeseen twist at the weekend, as he continues to grapple with his new surroundings. He was surprisingly dropped to the substitutes' bench by Xabi Alonso for Real's encounter with Real Oviedo, with seasoned full-back Dani Carvajal, 33, getting the nod instead.
Alexander-Arnold, 26, did eventually feature, though he was forced to bide his time until the 87th minute.
In the past, Klopp had benched his right-back for a vital showdown with Manchester City back in October 2018. Despite having already spent over two years establishing himself in the Reds' first team by that point, and proving himself as a once-in-a-generation prospect, Alexander-Arnold was overlooked against Pep Guardiola's outfit.
Joe Gomez stepped in at right-back instead during what finished as a goalless draw. Following the match, Klopp elaborated on the peculiar reasoning behind Alexander-Arnold's absence from the starting line-up, reports the Mirror.
Liverpool youngster Trent Alexander-Arnold comes on as a substitute guided by Liverpool Manager Jurgen Klopp.
Trent Alexander-Arnold was benched early on his Liverpool career by Klopp
(Image: Liverpool Echo/Colin Lane)
"He is a fantastic boy and a fantastic player. Thank God we have a few options to change the line-up," said Klopp. "I don't think it's a challenge, but if a player struggles with something like that [being dropped], he will struggle over his career.
"It was his birthday, the City game, so I thought the night before, a lot of people might have contacted him, so I didn't want to disturb all these message exchanges. Joe can play there and with respect deserved to play.
"I think about the players I line up first, not what it would mean for Trent. It was nothing. He came back in a good shape and a good mood."
Trent Alexander-Arnold of Real Madrid CF looks on
Trent Alexander-Arnold's start to life at Real Madrid hasn't gone entirely to plan
(Image: Ion Alcoba Beitia/Getty Images)
Experiencing Klopp's ruthless team selection will undoubtedly have prepared Alexander-Arnold for his current predicament, with the German also axing Alexander-Arnold back in February 2022. Nevertheless, he may face a battle to reclaim his position with Los Blancos.
Real manager Alonso indicated that nobody is assured of a starting berth, whilst he subsequently suggested that Carvajal might maintain his spot in the side for the foreseeable future.
Alonso 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... we have 20-odd players in the squad and I'm going to try to get the best out of all of them."
Whilst Alonso didn't mention Alexander-Arnold by name, he heaped praise on Carvajal. The Real manager hinted that the full-back's performances might be strong enough to earn him a recall to the Spain national team – and his glowing assessment of his fellow countryman will serve as an ominous sign for Alexander-Arnold.
"He'd like to return, but it's the coach's decision," Alonso said of Carvajal. "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.
"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."