When Trent Alexander-Arnold eventually decides to move to Spain at the end of his contract, Gary Neville has hinted that two current Real Madrid players could present significant obstacles. Though he is now practically shunned by his community, the right-back, who is considered the greatest in the world for his position, seems unconcerned by the difficulties Michael Owen encountered after leaving Anfield for the Spanish capital in pursuit of new opportunities.
The idea of expanding his trophy room with extra cutlery must have enticed Alexander-Arnold while he was in Madrid. The 26-year-old may also see a fantastic opportunity to pursue a personal milestone: being the first full-back to ever win the Ballon d’Or, given Los Blancos are the current European Champions and are expected to continue their dominance this season.
Neville, a former Manchester United defender, has warned the England international that there will be challenges in life at the Bernabeu. A chance to become a Galactico may seem enticing, but as Neville noted, not everything that glitters in Madrid turns out to be gold. Once he gets there, he will face fierce competition at right-back.
Two Real Madrid Stars Who Could Trouble Alexander-Arnold
Neville has once again raised concerns about his defending
On the most recent episode of the Overlap Podcast, Neville stated, “I’ve said that repeatedly: I think he [Trent Alexander-Arnold] needs to get more serious about his defending, or else it will cause him problems.” He went on (watch the entire episode below):
“I believe it will be a challenge for him at Real Madrid since they have Dani Carvajal when he returns and Federico Valverde, who is presently playing right-back. He will face some fierce competition. He will struggle there since they are excellent players.
“I think Carvajal, from a balance of going forward and back – the problem is that he’s 32 and has had a bad injury – but for me, Carvajal is a better full-back than Trent because of what he gives to the team,” Neville continued when asked if the current Real Madrid combination is superior to Alexander-Arnold. Valverde will have competition when he leaves because of the fantastic work he is now doing for them.
Returning to Trent, I stated that he has to improve his defence, which was demonstrated by the fact that he was frequently substituted for Liverpool and was unable to make the England squad for many years. I’ve never witnessed a right-back get substituted so frequently during crucial game moments.
Neville Explains Alexander-Arnold’s Transfer to Real Madrid
Additionally, the commentator explained why the move might succeed.
On the other hand, Neville also wanted to examine the possibility of success on an individual basis associated with a move of Alexander-Arnold’s magnitude.
It might also open up a new world for the Scouser, far apart from his Merseyside origins, even though many people who travel to sunny Spain wreck their legacy under the harsh reality of a hierarchy and fandom as merciless as Los Blancos’ (take Jonathan Woodgate or Gareth Bale, for different reasons).
“His style of play does present some difficulties, but it’s understandable that Liverpool supporters may be disappointed by his departure. Fans have the right to feel that way, and as a fan, he’s a local child,” he added.
“I also consider it while wearing my David Beckham helmet, considering his career after moving to Real Madrid and Milan, and the events that shaped his subsequent actions.
“I think that since I’ve stopped playing football, I think differently about it because he wouldn’t have had that if he had stayed at United.” For him, the opportunity to play for Real Madrid is an amazing experience.
David Beckham at Real Madrid. Assist machine. 🤖pic.twitter.com/lxyDLtzZGK
— 90min (@90min_Football) September 30, 2022
According to reports, Alexander-Arnold rejected a deal at Anfield for more than £300,000 a week, which would have made him the highest-paid Englishman in the Premier League.
When his contract with Liverpool expires in June 2025, he will go to Real Madrid, ending a 21-year career in which the vice captain won the Premier League and Champions League, among five other accolades, under Jurgen Klopp.
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