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Trent Alexander-Arnold made his Real Madrid debut this week, but failed to impress(Image: Dan Mullan/Getty Images)

Alan Shearer is adamant that Trent Alexander-Arnold will "get better" in time with Real Madrid.

The ex-Liverpool full-back started his first game for the Spanish giants on Wednesday, taking part in their 1-1 draw with Al-Hilal at the FIFA Club World Cup.

Gonzalo Garcia struck first to give Madrid the lead, before Ruben Neves equalised from the spot before half time to draw the Saudi club level.



Federico Valverde thought he was set to snatch the three points in stoppage time, but his penalty was saved by Bono to keep it all square.

Alexander-Arnold's first game in white didn't go down too well, as while he did put plenty of crosses in and advanced up the pitch, he also lost the ball on 12 occasions before he was substituted in the 65th minute.

During an episode of the Rest is Football podcast, Gary Lineker discussed the England international's rather disastrous Madrid debut and admitted that the defender will be pleased to have his first start out of the way.

Reflecting on Madrid's draw with Al-Hilal, the ex-Tottenham Hotspur and England star said: "Trent's debut is the obvious place to start.

He'll be glad to get that game out the way won't he?"

Sky Sports presenter Alex Aljoe was in agreement as she added: "I thought it was interesting what Xabi Alonso said after the game, it was like he said, 'Look, he's a really talented player, but talent isn't enough.' It's almost like he wanted to say that, he's sort of making a statement by coming out and saying that.

Article continues belowTrent Alexander-Arnold's debut for Real Madrid was met with a mixed reaction(Image: Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)

"He said he needs to get better defensively, and that's where he was exposed; at the back at times in that game.

I think in general, Real Madrid lack experienced, high-quality defenders."

Shearer insisted that Alexander-Arnold will require more time to get up to speed with Madrid's style of play, stating that there is much more to come from the Premier League champion.

The Newcastle United legend said: "I think it's clearly going to take time to get used to a new manager, new sort of ideas of what he wants to do.

"Trent obviously is going to take time to understand and get used to his surroundings, that's only normal.
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