Arsenal
Liverpool followers preserving a detailed eye on occasions in Madrid could have taken be aware of Trent Alexander-Arnold’s debut – for a lot of totally different causes.
The 26-year-old made his first look for Actual Madrid of their Membership World Cup group stage sport in opposition to Al Hilal, however the evening rapidly unravelled.
The Englishman, who left us for £10 million with solely weeks left on his contract, lasted solely 65 minutes earlier than being changed by Lucas Vazquez.
Statistically, it was a bruising begin. In response to SofaScore, he misplaced 75% of his floor duels, didn’t win a single aerial battle, surrendered possession 12 occasions, and ended the sport with a ranking of simply 6.8.
That alone, in a 1-1 draw, would have set off loads of conversations amongst our supporters however what Xabi Alonso needed to say afterwards might make it worse.
Alonso’s Trent verdict after poor debut efficiency
The previous Liverpool midfielder, now head coach at Actual Madrid, was surprisingly upbeat about Trent and fellow debutant Dean Huijsen regardless of the underwhelming show.
Chatting with RealMadrid.com, Alonso stated: “First I’d wish to congratulate them, as a result of it is a huge day for them.
“Making a Actual Madrid debut will certainly have an effect on them. I’m thrilled as a result of they’ve that persona they usually’ll be necessary gamers for us. Having them right here will give us added high quality.”
Whereas Alonso’s feedback appear geared toward defending his gamers, they stand in stark distinction to the efficiency many witnessed.
It’s the form of sugar-coated response that can go away loads of Liverpool followers unconvinced – significantly given how issues ended for the No.66 at Anfield.
Alexander-Arnold’s departure has already sparked debate over who will now completely take the right-back position.
Conor Bradley is seen as a long-term contender, whereas Jeremie Frimpong’s arrival from Leverkusen this summer time solely fuels that competitors.
Frimpong’s signing from Bayer Leverkusen exhibits our intent to reshape the fitting aspect of our defence.
Trent debut struggles underline why we moved on
Given the character of his exit, some supporters will really feel vindicated by how issues started in Madrid.
The previous Liverpool vice-captain’s struggles solely spotlight the chance Actual Madrid have taken – and maybe, the knowledge in us letting him go once we did.
Alonso’s reward is likely to be seen as diplomatic, however after a efficiency like that, it’s exhausting to see the place the thrill is coming from.
Our choice to let Alexander-Arnold be a part of Madrid for £10m raised eyebrows however might now look impressed.
Actual Madrid will face Pachuca and RB Salzburg of their subsequent Membership World Cup matches, but when Trent is to maintain his place, a lot might want to enhance – and quick.
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