Alvaro Arbeloa delivers Trent Alexander-Arnold verdict after first full glimpse of former Liverpool defender
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Álvaro Arbeloa Hails Trent Alexander-Arnold's IQ as Former Liverpool Defenders Unite at Real Madrid
In a dominant 4-1 victory over Real Sociedad at the Bernabéu, Real Madrid climbed to the top of LaLiga, with Trent Alexander-Arnold delivering a standout performance in his first start under new manager Álvaro Arbeloa.
The England international, who joined from Liverpool last summer, had been sidelined by injuries, limited to just 466 minutes and two assists prior to this match. Returning after over two months out with a thigh issue, Alexander-Arnold wasted no time, curling an inch-perfect pass into the box just five minutes in to set up Gonzalo García's opener.
Real Sociedad equalized via Mikel Oyarzabal's penalty midway through the first half, but Madrid responded swiftly. Vinícius Júnior converted two penalties—one in the 25th minute after being fouled—and added flair, while Federico Valverde sealed the win with a goal, putting Los Blancos top of the table despite absences of Kylian Mbappé and Jude Bellingham.
Arbeloa, a former Liverpool right-back who played alongside the club's legends before winning titles at Real Madrid, selected Alexander-Arnold ahead of Dani Carvajal, who substituted after 60 impressive minutes. The coach was effusive in praise post-match on Real Madrid TV and in his press conference.
"We're not going to discover anything new about Trent. It was a nice surprise to see how he understands the game, how he sees the spaces. Those things are very important for a coach... He's not the typical full-back who's always going to be out wide, he can also play centrally. We're lucky to have a player like that."
Arbeloa highlighted Alexander-Arnold's intelligence and adaptability in Madrid's fluid system, where players interchange positions. "Working with him, he strikes me as a very intelligent guy who quickly grasps what we want," he added.
Post-match, Alexander-Arnold shared a four-word social media statement signaling intent ahead of Tuesday's Champions League playoff against Benfica—a rematch after Lisbon's earlier upset. Arbeloa reflected: "We remember the Lisbon match very well... We'll try to bring back the victory."
This reunion of former Liverpool defenders marks a promising chapter, with Alexander-Arnold's vision elevating Madrid's attack and title aspirations.