From promise to pressure – Real Madrid summer signing battling early doubts with veteran ready to reclaim role | OneFootball

Real Madrid fans had their first proper glimpse of Trent Alexander-Arnold in La Liga action during the narrow 1-0 win over Osasuna at the Santiago Bernabeu.

What was supposed to be a promising debut turned into a subdued performance that left supporters asking whether the Englishman is really cut out for the demands of Spanish football.

Although this was not his first game for the club, having already featured under Xabi Alonso in the FIFA Club World Cup, the atmosphere of a La Liga debut at the Bernabeu carries a very different weight.

And against Osasuna, it became clear that Alexander-Arnold still has a lot of adjusting to do before he feels at home in Madrid.

Far from convincing

From the first whistle, the right-back seemed tentative. He did not display the confidence and flair that made him one of Liverpool’s most exciting players.

Instead of flying down the wing and firing those trademark crosses into the box, he looked cautious and hesitant.

At times, he appeared almost out of sync with his teammates, unable to read their movements and unsure of the rhythm Alonso demands in his system.

Offensively, he failed to impose himself. For a player signed largely because of his attacking ability, his lack of contribution going forward was glaring.

There were no threatening deliveries, no overlapping runs, and little evidence of the creativity that once set him apart in the Premier League.

To make matters worse, in the second half he misjudged a cross that nearly gifted Osasuna an equaliser, a moment that summed up his nervous display.

Defensively, his old weaknesses resurfaced. Just like at Liverpool, his positioning left gaps that Osasuna tried to exploit. He did not look convincing in one-on-one duels and at times appeared lost when the defensive line shifted.

Real Madrid fans, who had been eager to see if Alonso could mask those flaws, instead witnessed the same vulnerabilities that critics in England have pointed out for years.

The maestro is back

The crowd’s murmurs told their own story, and it goes without saying that Carvajal will snatch his place up if his performances do not improve in the next few matches. After all, players do not have the luxury of time in order to prove their worth at Real Madrid.

When the veteran Spaniard came on in the second half, the contrast was stark. Despite only recently returning from a serious injury, Carvajal showed the same commitment and aggression that have defined his career.

A crunching tackle, reminiscent of the one that sidelined him previously, drew roars of approval and reminded everyone of his resilience.

That moment underlined the challenge facing Alexander-Arnold. With Carvajal working his way back to full fitness, it is hard to see the Englishman securing a permanent place in Alonso’s starting XI any time soon.

Time to step up

Trent Alexander-Arnold needs to improve. (Photo by Jan Hetfleisch/Getty Images)

Unless Alexander-Arnold quickly adapts to the pace and tactical demands of Spanish football, he risks becoming little more than a bench option whenever Carvajal is fit.

Of course, one game doesn’t define a player. Alexander-Arnold has the talent, the passing range, and the technical ability to succeed at Real Madrid. But he must learn quickly.

Alonso’s system requires discipline, tactical awareness, and a strong understanding of teammates’ movements.

If he can take time to study Carvajal’s style and blend his own strengths into the team structure, he still has the potential to shine.

For now, though, his La Liga debut has left more doubts than excitement. Real Madrid fans are patient, but at a club where the pressure to perform is relentless, Alexander-Arnold cannot afford too many more nights like the one against Osasuna.