Former Liverpool star Dean Saunders has jumped to the defense of Trent Alexander-Arnold, with the right-back’s debut for Real Madrid being lampooned by fans.

Alexander-Arnold made his first appearance for his new club on Wednesday after completing his move from Anfield as he was handed a start by Xabi Alonso in Real’s opening game of the Club World Cup against Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal.

However, the debut didn’t quite go according to plan as the 2024 Champions League winners were held to a surprise 1-1 draw in Miami, with Alexander-Arnold’s performance in particular coming in for plenty of criticism online.



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The 26-year-old was substituted just after the hour mark after a less-than-stellar performance, having been given a let-off for losing his man early on when Renan Lodi saw his goal ruled out for offside.

The former Liverpool vice-captain’s usual radar seemed to be off as well as a number of his attempted passes failed to find their target, with Reds fans in particular taking pleasure in his struggles on social media.

Saunders though has defended the England international, and insisted fans supporters should be pointing the finger of blame at his former club instead.

"Leave him alone,” Saunders told talkSPORT.

But it was his first game for Real Madrid, playing with new players, on a sticky pitch, players not making the runs he is used to.

"Some fans are absolutely gutted he has gone and continue to dig him out, but it is blind loyalty.

"The problem is he has walked out of nothing but it is Liverpool's fault.

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"Incredible day to have made my debut for Real Madrid,” he said after the game

“It's something almost every player dreams of so to be able to achieve it is huge for me.

"There's some disappointment not to have won the game, but it's the mentality you need to have as a Real player is to want and expect to win every game you've played in.

"I've felt the support from the moment I signed the club