Trent Alexander-Arnold is reportedly already facing an uphill battle at Real Madrid, with a major concern having been raised.
Trent Alexander-Arnold Faces Tough Start at Real Madrid as Xabi Alonso Raises Key Concern
Published 14:08 BST, 26 July 2025 | By Marcus Chan
Trent Alexander-Arnold is already encountering early challenges at Real Madrid, just weeks after completing his high-profile move from Liverpool.
The England international left his boyhood club earlier this summer after declining a contract extension, joining the Spanish giants for a reported €10 million fee—primarily to bolster their squad for the FIFA Club World Cup.
His start in Madrid has been a mixed bag. Alexander-Arnold received criticism following a shaky debut against Al Hilal, though his performances improved as the tournament progressed. Still, Real Madrid’s campaign came to a disappointing end in the semi-finals, suffering a heavy 4-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain.
With the 2025/26 La Liga season set to kick off next month, reports now suggest that manager Xabi Alonso has growing concerns over Alexander-Arnold’s integration into the squad. The specific nature of the concern hasn’t been disclosed, but sources indicate it relates to tactical adaptation and defensive consistency—areas long debated during Alexander-Arnold’s career.
As Real Madrid push for domestic and European success, the pressure is on the former Liverpool star to settle quickly and meet the high expectations that come with wearing.
Xabi Alonso Concerned by Alarming Trent Alexander-Arnold Statistic, Reports Claim
According to Spanish outlet Que, Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso is reportedly unsettled by a glaring defensive statistic tied to new signing Trent Alexander-Arnold.
The report reveals that Alexander-Arnold was dribbled past 56 times last season—more than any other full-back across Europe’s top five leagues. This data point is said to be the opposite of what Alonso demands from his defenders, raising serious questions about the Englishman’s suitability for the role in Madrid’s system.
While the club had hoped Alexander-Arnold’s offensive qualities would shine at the FIFA Club World Cup, their campaign ended on a sour note with a 4–0 defeat to PSG in the semi-finals.
Reflecting on the tournament, Alonso stated:
“I’m leaving with certainties. This tournament has taught me many things about what we are and what we have to improve. I’m leaving with a perspective for next year, when we will recover players and there will be changes.”
Though not naming Alexander-Arnold directly, Alonso’s comments have only fueled speculation that changes could be coming in the defensive lineup—especially if the full-back’s vulnerability in one-on-one duels continues to be an issue.
As the new La Liga season looms, the pressure is mounting for Alexander-Arnold to adapt quickly and prove he can meet the defensive demands of Spanish football.
Alonso added: “Next season will be different, but I leave with clear certainties. I’m taking all the lessons this tournament has provided. Our goal is to build a cohesive team—one that plays as a unified group, with every player fully engaged.”
With La Liga kicking off on August 19, Real Madrid will begin their domestic campaign against Osasuna. All eyes will be on whether Alexander-Arnold can adapt to Alonso’s tactical demands and cement his place in the starting lineup.
