Trent Alexander-Arnold finally made his Real Madrid debut on Wednesday night during Los Blancos’ FIFA Club World Cup opening match against Al Hilal, capping a months-long ordeal. Alexander-Arnold finally had the opportunity to play for Madrid in a match against the Saudi Pro League team in the Miami sun, which also happened to be Xabi Alonso’s first game as manager.
With Trent emblazoned across the back of his shirt, he took to the field to start his career with the world’s largest football team. He was being attentively observed by a large number of people. Some were desperate to see him fail, while others were routing for him. Even though his debut lasted only a little more than an hour, it was more than enough to offer fans much to discuss, which they undoubtedly did on social media.
Fans Criticised Trent’s Debut
He struggled in his first Madrid game
The star might have been affected by the pressure, as many people were curious about how Alexander-Arnold’s Madrid career began. His debut for Alonso’s team wasn’t the best, and the defensive problems that have mostly dogged his career thus far were evident early on once more. The full-back only won one of his four ground duels, lost possession twelve times, and only made one of his five crosses. He wasn’t given the start he would have preferred, and he was taken off just after the hour.
Fans quickly voiced their opinions as well. One person posted on X (Twitter): “My initial thoughts about Trent wearing a Real Madrid shirt It takes a lot of effort to get off the ball. Rodrygo’s inverted runs effectively force him to play RWB in order to provide the team with “deep width” in build-up. Another emphasized his difficulties in the first half, writing: “Trent lost more duels than any other player in the first half of Real Madrid vs. Al-Hilal… Not tracking back quick enough either and causing holes in the backline.” It’s hardly the best debut yet.
Not everyone was as taciturn. One wrote: “Trent was a free transfer and Madrid still got robbed,” and another commented: “I see what Liverpool fans are saying about Trent’s defending in literally the first 5 mins!”
After his debut, a fifth fan expressed their worries about his future with the team by writing: “Can’t see Trent lasting long at Madrid.”
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