Real Madrid fans have made their minds up on Trent Alexander-Arnold after watching him in the first half of their Club World Cup clash against Pachuca
Real Madrid fans have given their verdict on Trent Alexander-Arnold after Pachuca performance
Real Madrid supporters have already formed strong opinions on Trent Alexander-Arnold following his showing in the first half of their Club World Cup match against Pachuca.
The England international, who recently completed his switch from Liverpool, was making his second appearance for Los Blancos after debuting against Al Hilal last Thursday. Despite that game ending in a 1-1 draw and some early criticism over his defensive contributions, manager Xabi Alonso kept faith in the new signing.
But the clash with Pachuca took a worrying turn after just seven minutes when Raul Asencio was shown a straight red for hauling down Salomón Rondón, leaving Madrid to play most of the game with 10 men. On that occasion, Alexander-Arnold was high up the pitch and caught out of position as the Mexican side broke down his flank — a moment not lost on the fans.
Yet the right-back quickly reminded everyone of his value going forward. On 43 minutes, Alexander-Arnold whipped in a perfectly weighted cross that Arda Güler turned home, doubling Madrid’s lead after Jude Bellingham had scored the opener.
That assist had fans in raptures, but questions about his defensive solidity persisted.
One fan posted: “We can’t play a high line like Barcelona — we’ll concede too many easy goals. Trent can’t defend.”
Another agreed: “Trent can’t defend his back post either. Defensively, they might be too exposed.”
But some were also delighted with his creativity, with one writing: “That pass, ladies and gentlemen, is why Real Madrid signed Trent.”
And another added: “That pass from Trent — phew!”
Speaking after the 1-1 draw with Al Hilal earlier in the tournament, Alonso explained how he intends to use his new signing going forward.
“He is a different kind of full-back, not just sticking to the outside,” Alonso told reporters. “He can come inside a little bit and link up. What happens around him is important. We have to work on it, but having a player with his understanding of the game is a big positive.”
