Anfield return, dropped by England and Real Madrid - Trent Alexander-Arnold's nightmare week

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Trent Alexander-Arnold likely didn't anticipate such a tumultuous week when he decided to leave Liverpool for Real Madrid.

Alexander-Arnold portrayed his move to Spain as one driven by ambition.

It's still early days, but the past week's events highlight how challenging such a transition can be.

He's been sidelined by Madrid in favor of seasoned player Dani Carvajal, drawn against Liverpool in the Champions League, and now omitted from the England squad by Thomas Tuchel.

However, his gamble to trade his childhood club for Real has only amplified external perceptions of him.

It remains uncertain what kind of reception he will receive upon his return to Anfield, but it's likely to be mixed at best.

His immediate priority will be to persuade Xabi Alonso that he is capable of securing the starting right-back position at Real.

With Carvajal having recovered from an ACL injury and reclaimed his place in the side for Real's second La Liga match of the season, his legendary status within the club won't make it easy for Alexander-Arnold to displace him.

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Thomas Tuchel has left Alexander-Arnold out of his England squad.

We're going to be playing tons of games, and we need to have that top level."

Tuchel isn't permanently sidelining Alexander-Arnold.

His intention is to allow him time to acclimatize in Spain, but the preference for Djed Spence and Tino Livramento over him and Kyle Walker does indicate a change in hierarchy.

Now, Alexander-Arnold has no option but to buckle down, put in the graft, and rebuild his standing in both club and international soccer.