Real Madrid have already come up with a new nickname for Trent Alexander-Arnold following their 1-0 win over Juventus in the Club World Cup round of 16 on Tuesday
“Horrible to Face”: Courtois Hails Alexander-Arnold After Real Madrid Assist Heroics
Trent Alexander-Arnold continues to make waves at Real Madrid, as the 26-year-old England star provided a pinpoint assist for Gonzalo Garcia’s match-winning header — securing Los Blancos a place in the Club World Cup quarter-final against Borussia Dortmund this Saturday.
Following the match, Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois offered glowing praise for the former Liverpool man, calling him “horrible” — but in the best possible way.
“In training he’s horrible,” Courtois told DAZN. “His kicking is amazing. His free-kicks, his corner kicks — they’re on another level.”
Alexander-Arnold’s contribution didn’t go unnoticed beyond the assist. Courtois also highlighted a brilliant pre-assist in the earlier match against Pachuca, noting the England international’s consistent impact in the final third.
“I don’t think I’ve seen another guy with his quality of kicking and crossing,” Courtois added. “As a goalkeeper, sometimes it’s a nightmare. But it keeps you on edge, keeps you working hard — trying to save them, to make him better and myself better.”
Since joining Real Madrid, Alexander-Arnold has slotted in seamlessly, showcasing the elite technical delivery that made him a standout in the Premier League. His connection with academy breakthrough Gonzalo Garcia is already proving fruitful — a promising sign for Madrid’s evolving attacking setup.
With the Club World Cup heating up, and a high-stakes clash with Dortmund looming, Alexander-Arnold’s form — and his “nightmare” deliveries — may prove decisive in Madrid’s quest for another trophy.
“Trent Asistencias-Arnold”: New Nickname Emerges as Xabi Alonso Backs Real Madrid Star
Trent Alexander-Arnold continues to make a smooth transition into life at Real Madrid — both on and off the pitch.
After his influential performance in Madrid’s narrow 1-0 Club World Cup victory, where he assisted Gonzalo Garcia’s decisive header, the 26-year-old earned glowing reviews from head coach Xabi Alonso and even a new nickname from the club itself.
“We were caught out by [Kenan] Yildiz’s position in the middle,” Alonso admitted post-match. “Everything takes time, but I have faith in him [Alexander-Arnold].
He’s a reliable full-back, and so is [Dani] Carvajal. We will improve from the collective side to the individual — not the other way around.”
“Trent Asistencias-Arnold”: A New Name for a Familiar Talent
Real Madrid’s official social media accounts were quick to celebrate Trent’s contribution, posting two images of him alongside teammate Arda Güler, captioned:
“Trent Asistencias-Arnold.”
It’s a fitting tribute to the right-back’s trademark precision in delivery — long admired during his time at Liverpool — and now earning admiration in the Spanish capital.
The play on his name also resonates with fans, especially in light of a decision he revealed at his official unveiling on June 12. Rather than wear “Alexander-Arnold” on his jersey, Trent explained he’d simply go by “Trent.”
“Quite an easy explanation,” he said at his press conference. “I’ve always found when I travel to Europe that the whole name situation confuses a lot of people — there are three names and it’s double-barrelled.
People call me Arnold, people call me Alexander, people call me Alex, people call me Trent — there’s a lot that goes on.
So I thought, let’s make it easy: Trent on the back, and be known as Trent. That’s my name, so I guess that’s what people will call me.”
From “Alexander-Arnold” to “Trent” — But Always Assisting
Whether it’s “Trent,” “Trent Asistencias-Arnold,” or simply Madrid’s new maestro at right-back, the England international is already making his mark.
With crucial matches ahead in the Club World Cup and the return of La Liga looming, Real Madrid fans are quickly embracing their new No. 2 — not just for his name, but for the world-class delivery they now get to call their own.
