Trent Alexander-Arnold struggles at Real Madrid, sparking backlash from Liverpool fans

The English full-back has lost ground to Dani Carvajal under Xabi Alonso and is far from living the dream start in Spain.

Arnold loses space in Madrid

Trent Alexander-Arnold is not experiencing the same prominence at Real Madrid that he enjoyed at Liverpool. Since his arrival in Spain, the English defender has not secured a starting place under Xabi Alonso and has mostly come off the bench.

In the 3-0 win over Oviedo, for example, Arnold only entered in the final minutes of the second half. In total, he has played seven games for the Merengues, with two assists – both in the Club World Cup – but no goals scored.

Liverpool fans react

Arnold’s new reality, going from being an idol at Anfield to a substitute at the Santiago Bernabéu, has provoked mixed feelings among Liverpool supporters. Many fans expressed disappointment over his decision to leave for free to join one of the club’s biggest European rivals.

“I feel sorry for Trent. We loved and protected him, and he threw us to the wolves,” said one Reds fan. Others commented that his current situation “should help him become a better defender,” highlighting the stark difference from his days as Liverpool’s hometown hero and Scouser symbol.

Carvajal remains ahead

At Madrid, Dani Carvajal continues to be the preferred option at right-back. The Spaniard has the full confidence of Alonso and should retain his starting role for most of the season, leaving Arnold as an alternative for rotation.

The Englishman will have to fight for space if he wants to establish himself as a key figure in the Spanish capital something that seemed guaranteed during his years at Liverpool.