Trent Alexander-Arnold reality clear as Xabi Alonso view on Real Madrid rival speaks volumes

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Trent Alexander-Arnold has been in and out of the Real Madrid starting XI(Image: Getty Images)

Xabi Alonso has talked up the influence and importance of Dani Carvajal at Real Madrid - the man in direct competition with Trent Alexander-Arnold.

The England international moved to Spain in the summer, ending his career-long association with Liverpool.

Carvajal and Alexander-Arnold have started two games a piece in La Liga so far this season, suggesting that the right-back berth will very much be shared.



The expectation was that Alexander-Arnold was coming in to be handed the role, but he featured for just eight minutes against Real Sociedad at the weekend.

Carvajal, now 33, has continued to defy his advancing years having been a crucial figure for Los Blancos for more than a decade.

He played alongside Alonso when Real won the European Cup in 2014 and has continued to pick up Champions League winners' medals.

READ MORE:Real Madrid vs Marseille Champions League prediction, odds and betting offerREAD MORE:Trent Alexander-Arnold told exactly where he stands as Real Madrid star is benched again

He's excelled since returning from an ACL injury and the Real boss insists healthy competition will exist between him and Alexander-Arnold - and the way in which Alonso hailed Carvajal's leadership qualities proves he will remain a firm part of the first-team picture.

He said: "There's one aspect that hasn't changed much: the competitive gene he has.

The 26-year-old is looking to follow on Jude Bellingham footsteps by flourishing in the Spanish capital, but Alonso has laid down the challenge

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He said: “So far, Trent and Carvajal have both had an impact in other positions as well, whether that be at centre-back or out wide.

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