Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso has delivered a strong and measured Xabi Alonso defence of Trent Alexander-Arnold, insisting the right-back remains central to his long-term plans despite a difficult start to life in Spain.
As the English defender prepares for only his third league start of the season away at Elche, Alonso used his pre-match briefing to calm fears surrounding form, fitness, and adaptation.
The £70 million summer signing has struggled to gain momentum since leaving Liverpool for the Bernabéu, and the Xabi Alonso defence of Trent Alexander-Arnold comes at a pivotal moment in the player’s early Madrid career.
Injuries have restricted him to short cameo roles, and criticism has been swift from both Spanish media and former Premier League followers. Yet Alonso believes the tide is turning.
Alonso’s firm backing as adaptation period continues
Central to the Xabi Alonso defence of Trent Alexander-Arnold is the Real Madrid manager’s confidence that the player is finally reaching full physical condition. During the two-week international break, Alexander-Arnold trained extensively at Valdebebas, both individually and within the squad.
Alonso said his improved fitness would “give us more options” as Madrid enter a demanding phase of the season.
“In this break, we’ve worked with Trent, collectively and individually, after the injuries he had,” Alonso said speaking via GOAL. “Trent being in better form gives us more options in that position.”
The Xabi Alonso defence of Trent Alexander-Arnold also extended to competition for places. Alonso highlighted the versatility of Federico Valverde, Éder Militão—who recently played at right-back for Brazil—and youngster Raúl Asencio.
This depth, the Madrid boss said, allows him to ease Alexander-Arnold back gradually while keeping the squad balanced.
A stuttering start that Madrid want to reverse
The need for a strong Xabi Alonso defence of Trent Alexander-Arnold stems from what has undeniably been a rocky beginning.
Alexander-Arnold managed only nine minutes in Madrid’s 1-0 Champions League defeat at Anfield, where he was loudly booed by the home crowd, followed by a seven-minute appearance in the 0-0 draw at Rayo Vallecano.
His limited impact contributed to England manager Thomas Tuchel dropping him from the national squad—another heavy blow.
Moving to Madrid has required Alexander-Arnold to adjust to both a new environment and new tactical expectations. At Liverpool, he operated as a playmaker from deep, drifting centrally in possession.
At Madrid, he is expected to blend defensive discipline with controlled progression—a shift that requires time.
Alonso’s repeated assurances underline why the Xabi Alonso defence of Trent Alexander-Arnold is now critical for the player’s confidence.
Madrid’s bigger concern: goals drying up
While the defender’s adaptation is a major talking point, Alonso also addressed the wider issue overshadowing Madrid: the lack of goals.
Los Blancos failed to score in back-to-back matches against Liverpool and Vallecano, and star forward Kylian Mbappé did not register a single shot on target in either game.
But Alonso refused to single out individuals.
“We didn’t score at Liverpool or in Vallecas,” he said. “It isn’t just about Kylian, it’s about the team. When we don’t score, we look for alternatives—the wingers, the midfielders, set pieces. The goals will return.”
This perspective aligns with the broader Xabi Alonso defence of Trent Alexander-Arnold, emphasising that Madrid’s issues do not fall on one player’s shoulders.
Mbappé’s Dubai trip adds pressure but Alonso remains calm
The manager’s measured tone extended to Mbappé’s situation after the Frenchman’s unexpected trip to Dubai during the international break.
The French Football Federation ruled him out with inflammation in his right ankle, yet he chose not to continue treatment in Madrid before travelling abroad.
France coach Didier Deschamps explained the injury as “almost chronic”, while FFF president Philippe Diallo added that Mbappé is in a “delicate sporting moment.”
Still, the episode has not disrupted Alonso’s focus, nor has it impacted the Xabi Alonso defence of Trent Alexander-Arnold, who he views as crucial in restoring rhythm down the right flank.
Defence gets a boost as Rudiger nears full return
While Militão will miss the trip to Elche through a minor injury, Alonso confirmed Antonio Rüdiger is close to returning.
The German defender’s comeback could strengthen a back line that has needed more stability—another factor behind the Xabi Alonso defence of Trent Alexander-Arnold, who Alonso hopes can soon rediscover his best form with stronger structure around him.
“With his level and personality, it’s important to have him,” Alonso noted. “Militão’s injury isn’t serious, but having Toni back soon is very good news.”
Elche trip becomes a crucial moment for players under scrutiny
Barcelona’s latest win temporarily pushed them top of the table, meaning Madrid must secure victory away to Elche to reclaim first place. It adds extra significance to what could be Alexander-Arnold’s most important appearance yet.
This match represents more than just a fixture—it is an opportunity for Trent to justify the growing Xabi Alonso defence of Trent Alexander-Arnold and begin turning a challenging chapter into a more hopeful one.
