Spanish outlets unimpressed by Madrid defender’s opening display | OneFootball

Spanish media react to Trent Alexander-Arnold’s Real Madrid debut

A new chapter in Spain

The Santiago Bernabéu can be a stage that magnifies brilliance but also exposes flaws. For Trent Alexander-Arnold, making his long-awaited La Liga debut for Real Madrid, it was the latter that dominated the Spanish press. Having left Liverpool after eight years as their creative right-back, his first steps in Spain have not convinced those watching most closely.

Real Madrid may have beaten Osasuna, but their new arrival was left under the glare of sharp criticism. Spanish outlet MARCA described Alexander-Arnold’s performance as “lukewarm”, pointing to the same defensive lapses that had been noted during the Club World Cup. Their judgement was brutal in its clarity: Dani Carvajal, the man he was brought in to replace, came on and immediately showed the standard expected.

Photo: IMAGO

Harsh reviews from the Spanish press

The scrutiny did not end there. El Confidencial noted that Alexander-Arnold looked “timid” under the Bernabéu lights, suggesting that fellow debutant Álvaro Carreras – signed from Benfica – offered far more attacking menace from the opposite flank.

For a player whose career has been built on bold passing and adventurous forays forward, this was a chastening introduction. Madridistas are rarely patient, and Alexander-Arnold will know that reputation counts for little in a league where expectation is relentless.

Attacking instincts as his best weapon

Yet there remains reason for optimism. In La Liga, where Madrid often monopolise possession, Alexander-Arnold’s extraordinary range of passing and ability to dictate play from deep could flourish. His creativity is unquestioned; the issue, as ever, lies in his defensive positioning.

That weakness may prove costly in the Champions League, where opponents will be far less forgiving than Osasuna. It would not be surprising to see Xabi Alonso rotate Dani Carvajal in for Europe’s heavyweight clashes, a reminder that Alexander-Arnold’s place is far from guaranteed.