Trent Alexander-Arnold tries to prove point after controversial World Cup call
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Liverpool FC NewsFeaturesTrent Alexander-ArnoldTrent Alexander-Arnold was left out of England's World Cup squad, but the former Liverpool defender is working hard to prove a point to Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho ahead of preseasonTrent Alexander-Arnold is preparing for his second season at Real Madrid(Image: Getty Images)Trent Alexander-Arnold has demonstrated his determination to recover from a crushing setback in a recent training video.The former Liverpool full-back, 27, has endured a difficult 12 months since departing his boyhood club for Real Madrid. He featured in only 30 matches across all competitions last season, many of them from the bench, due to poor form and two separate fitness issues.This culminated in a disappointing debut campaign in Spain, leading to his controversial exclusion from Thomas Tuchel's 26-man World Cup squad.
Alexander-Arnold's position in Real Madrid's first team is also uncertain despite Dani Carvajal's departure, following Jose Mourinho's appointment.The Portuguese boss is renowned for building his sides around defensive resilience, one of Alexander-Arnold's most notable shortcomings, and has already recruited Denzel Dumfries to that role.However, the right-back appears intent on silencing his critics by posting a compilation on his Instagram profile featuring his individual ball work and intense physical training throughout the summer. He concluded the footage with the message: "Summer done."Having previously been regarded as among the finest right-backs on the planet during his spell at Anfield, Alexander-Arnold will be eager to demonstrate his worth to Mourinho in particular.Alexander-Arnold was left out of England's World Cup squad(Image: Getty Images)He linked up with his Los Blancos colleagues today as official pre-season preparations commenced under the new boss.The defender's struggles are perhaps best illustrated by his exclusion from England's World Cup squad.
He was overlooked in favor of Reece James and Tino Livramento ahead of the competition.Even more surprisingly, center-half Trevoh Chalobah was selected as cover ahead of him once Livramento's injury forced him out of the World Cup.The role has proved to be a persistent headache for Tuchel, which will only strengthen Alexander-Arnold's resolve further. First-choice James sustained an injury during the group phase that sidelined him for multiple matches.Jarell Quansah stepped in as his replacement, but the former Reds player must still complete one more fixture of his two-game suspension following a straight red card against Mexico, having already sat out the quarterfinal triumph over Norway.Ezri Konsa, Declan Rice and Djed Spence have all featured at right-back as well, yet nobody has succeeded in establishing themselves in the role.England meets Argentina in a colossal World Cup semifinal encounter this Wednesday.Alexander-Arnold will undoubtedly be observing closely, profoundly disappointed that he isn't present to support the Three Lions in their pursuit of claiming the prestigious trophy.Choose Liverpool.com as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.Real Madrid CFTrent Alexander-ArnoldLiverpool FCFIFA World CupEngland Football Team