Real Madrid have reportedly given their verdict on Trent Alexander-Arnold after a mixed start to life at the club.
Alexander-Arnold, 26, only moved to Los Blancos this summer after spending his whole career at Liverpool, with Real paying the Reds a £10million fee to ensure he was available for the Club World Cup.
Alexander-Arnold had an up and down tournament in the US as Xabi Alonso’s side crashed out in the semi-finals to PSG, before he was dropped last week following a difficult performance against Osasuna in Real’s LaLiga opener.
During that game, the Englishman’s defensive deficiencies were exposed and veteran right back Dani Carvajal was preferred for their 3-0 victory at Real Oviedo on Sunday.
The Athletic claimed Carvajal is expected to be first choice for the foreseeable future, which led to some unsubstantiated reports reports that Alexander-Arnold, who signed a contract until 2031, could be in line for an immediate exit.
However, according to Spanish outlet Marca, these rumours are not true and Real value Alexander-Arnold as an integral player both now and going forwards.
Real Madrid have given their verdict on Trent Alexander-Arnold after a mixed start to life at the club
Alexander-Arnold joined the club this summer but he was dropped from their team last week
The report adds that the Englishman is currently in his adaptation period at the club as he gets used to a new culture and team-mates.
There is still a strong belief that Alexander-Arnold will perfectly slot into what Alonso requires in the near future and he has the full backing of the Real hierarchy.
The club also feel they have made a ‘landmark signing’ for their long-term future and one who will ‘mark an era’ at the Bernabeu.
The report similarly claims that rather than viewing Carvajal and Alexander-Arnold as positional rivals, Real see them as complementary players who bring different characteristics.
Meanwhile, speaking following their victory over Real Oviedo on Sunday, Alonso was asked about managing his resources this season.
‘We have more than 20 players in the squad and I’m going to try to get the best out of all of them,’ he said.
‘Sometimes they can be starters and be important, or play just a few minutes and be important.
‘I haven’t made any decisions for the next month. I want people to feel important, ready, to be there for the next game.’
Real return to action on Saturday when they host Mallorca in LaLiga as they look to continue their perfect record so far this season.
