Trent Alexander-Arnold’s new supporters have already noticed a big problem in his playing style after just one La Liga game at Real Madrid. The right-back, who has long been considered as one of the greatest in the world in his position, was at the core of this summer’s biggest transfer story when he decided to sever a 20-year association with childhood club Liverpool.
Los Blancos’ leadership paid a £10 million price to sign the 26-year-old before his contract expired, allowing him to join Xabi Alonso’s side in time for the new Club World Cup season. In five appearances, he recorded two assists, revealing glimpses of the creative spark that made him so special at Anfield.
However, on his La Liga debut against Osasuna on Tuesday, which was settled by a solitary Kylian Mbappe goal, the England international received harsh criticism for the very trait that earned him enormous praise in the Premier League.
Trent Alexander-Arnold’s Major Flaw in La Liga Debut.
Trent’s defensive abilities have been questioned throughout his career, with analysts such as Gary Neville frequently criticizing that aspect of his game. This time, however, the sheer volume of crosses he has been producing for Real Madrid has alarmed his new followers.
Ironically, crossing is one of his finest assets. As one of the best passers in the game – and the defender with the most assists in Premier League history – the Englishman thrives on generating clear-cut opportunities for teammates. However, with neither Mbappe nor Vinicius Junior recognized for their aerial abilities, there appears to be a stylistic mismatch in the Real Madrid assault, putting his hallmark weapon under examination. Watch the highlights of his La Liga debut below:
Trent attempted seven crosses during his 68-minute cameo, but just one found its intended target. While his total passing accuracy was much higher, with an 89% success rate, people reacting to his performance online couldn’t help but notice the obvious difficulties with his deliveries into the box.
“Trent should realise crossing with those attackers is pointless,” a commenter on X said. “Mbappe is going to flop.” A second said, “Hoof ball.” A third remarked, “Somebody tell Trent the number 9 in the box doesn’t do headers, so the crosses should be low ones,” while a fourth said:
“I questioned the Trent signing, and my concerns have only grown. Crossing the ball to Mbappe and Vinicius makes little sense because they aren’t target players. I believe he’s more suited to the middle; otherwise, it’s a meaningless signing.”
Another said: “Trent and Carreras crossed the ball to Mbappe, who headed it. Who’s going to tell them? However, one more optimistic admirer said that Trent might simply “need more time to build chemistry with his new teammates.” Nonetheless, considering the notoriously impatient temperament of the Spanish media, which Gareth Bale witnessed firsthand few years ago, he will be eager to adjust fast to the playing styles around him.
Mbappe faced a similar issue in the first few months of the 2024/25 season, adjusting to a new role as a center striker after years of playing on the flanks for Monaco and PSG. Nonetheless, he finished the season as the European Golden Shoe champion, demonstrating that Trent’s early problems were not cause for concern.
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