Trent Alexander-Arnold is DROPPED by Xabi Alonso for Real Madrid's second LaLiga match - as fans claim he has learned 'brutal lesson' after tricky debut
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Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso is faced with a significant decision regarding the starting position of Trent Alexander-Arnold for the club's La Liga matches after the England international's initial performances.
Alexander-Arnold joined Real Madrid in June 2025, leaving Liverpool after completing his contract. He has participated in most preseason and early competitive fixtures, including starting five of six matches in the United States ahead of La Liga's season start. He made his league debut against Osasuna on August 19, where Real Madrid won 1-0 thanks to a penalty by Kylian Mbappé.
Despite this, questions over Alexander-Arnold's defensive performance have surfaced. Club captain Dani Carvajal, recently recovered from cruciate ligament injury, replaced him after 68 minutes in the Osasuna match. Carvajal's return offers a more experienced and defensively robust option in the right-back position, prompting Alonso and analysts to consider his reinstatement as starter.
La Liga expert Javi Casquero expressed that if Carvajal remains fully fit, Alexander-Arnold should begin preparing for a bench role as Alonso seeks tactical balance in his squad.
Real Madrid face two more matches before the September international break: an away fixture at Real Oviedo and a home match versus Mallorca. Both full-backs are expected to join their national teams afterward, with Carvajal set to feature in Spain's 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers and Alexander-Arnold in England's upcoming fixtures.
Thus, Alonso must weigh the benefits of Alexander-Arnold's attacking skills against Carvajal’s defensive solidity and experience, with the right-back role potentially becoming competitive and uncertain in the near term.
PP