Trent Alexander-Arnold warned ‘controversial’ call could cost him Real Madrid starting spot – with ex-Liverpool star not the ‘favourite’ for right-back berth

Trent Alexander-Arnold has been warned that a “controversial” call at Real Madrid could end up costing him a starting berth in the Blancos’ plans.

WHAT HAPPENED?

England international Alexander-Arnold has slotted straight into Xabi Alonso’s side after completing a move to Santiago Bernabeu ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup. A €10 million (£9m/$12m) fee was paid to Liverpool in order to acquire his signature before hitting free agency.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

The 26-year-old has registered his first assist as a Real player, helping them into the Club World Cup quarter-finals, but has been told that he is not the “favourite” to line up at right-back when everybody is fit.

Watch every game of the FIFA Club World Cup live on DAZN

Stream now

Trent Alexander-Arnold Real Madrid 2025 FIFA Club World CupGetty

DID YOU KNOW?

That is because long-serving Dani Carvajal, who enjoys legend status in the Spanish capital, is working his way back from knee ligament damage that was suffered in October 2024. The 33-year-old is considered to sit ahead of Alexander-Arnold in the pecking order.

WHAT GIBSON SAID

Spanish football expert Terry Gibson has told talkSPORT: “Yes, 100 per cent [Trent’s starting position isn’t guaranteed]. I would say that Dani Carvajal would still be favourite. He’s a legend, with all the Champions Leagues they’ve won, he’s been at the heart. It would be controversial for Xabi Alonso to discard him.”

Gibson added: “I do think it would be a waste as well [to not play Carvajal], depending on how he gets back from his knee injury, we may not see the best of him until Christmas. But it’s competition for a place and Carvajal is a better defender and also gives something going forward.

“I don’t think there’s any doubt that that is Alexander-Arnold’s strength. He’s better at crossing, diagonal passes and set pieces…so there are differences between the two. I just think Carvajal edges it in terms of he’s good at everything. Alexander-Arnold is brilliant at one or two things and maybe not as good defensively.”

Real Madrid CF v Real Valladolid CF  - La Liga EA SportsGetty Images Sport

WHAT NEXT FOR ALEXANDER-ARNOLD?

Carvajal has made over 400 appearances for Real, helping them to four La Liga titles and six Champions League triumphs. Alexander-Arnold will, however, get another chance to prove his worth when lining up against Borussia Dortmund on Saturday.

Source link

Visited 1 times, 1 visit(s) today

Related Article

Chelsea Squeeze Past Palmeiras to Reach CWC Semi-Finals

Estevao ‘Ready’ for Premier League Move, Says Palmeiras Boss

Palmeiras boss Abel Ferreira believes teenage sensation Estevao Willian is ready to make the jump to Premier League football after bidding farewell to the Brazilian side with a memorable performance against Chelsea in the Club World Cup. The 18-year-old, widely regarded as one of Brazil’s most exciting young talents, marked his final appearance for Palmeiras

Onward State

Two Penn State Alum Make Premier Lacrosse League All-Star Game Roster

Enter a search term for instant results Enter a search term for instant results Aidan Conrad | Onward State Two former Penn State men’s lacrosse players were chosen to rosters in the Premier Lacrosse League (PLL) All-Star game on Saturday. TJ Malone and Matt Traynor will both represent Team East for the weekend, as Traynor

Hakan Calhanoglu Inter Milan

Calhanoglu wants Galatasaray & rejects EPL & Saudi bids

Inter Milan midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu reportedly only wants a move to Galatasaray, and has rejected bids from the Premier League and Saudi Pro League. This according to Turkish outlet Fanatik, via FCInterNews. Galatasaray’s interest in Inter Milan midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu has become virtually the worst-kept secret in football. Whilst the Turkish champions have yet to

0
Would love your thoughts, please comment.x
()
x