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Trent Alexander-Arnold will need to adapt to rotating right-back responsibilities with Dani Carvajal after being dropped to the substitutes' bench for Real Madrid's most recent La Liga fixture, with Xabi Alonso confirming his intention to alternate between the defenders.
The 25-year-old Alexander-Arnold moved to the Spanish club just before his Liverpool contract ran out this summer, having decided against extending his stay with the Premier League champions. Los Blancos invested over $12 million to secure his services early in preparation for the Club World Cup, though Alexander-Arnold was omitted from their second La Liga encounter of the campaign as Carvajal returned from injury.
The England international was subsequently recalled to the starting XI for Real's 2-1 triumph against RCD Mallorca before the international interval, yet found himself amongst the substitutes once more for Saturday's 2-1 success at Real Sociedad. Alonso had suggested prior to the match that neither Alexander-Arnold nor Carvajal held guaranteed starting positions and would be subject to rotation going forward, describing such rivalry as beneficial, reports the Mirror.
"Fortunately, we have healthy competition within the squad. That's good for the team and the players," Alonso said. "They have to be pushed to give their best. You know there is strong competition, you see teammates who are ready to play.
"So far, Trent and Carvajal have both had an impact in other positions as well, whether that be at centre-back or out wide. I think it's a really healthy thing for the day-to-day in the squad, so nobody feels disconnected. Whoever deserves it the most will play. That will be the case throughout the year."
Alexander-Arnold was omitted from England's squad during the recent international window, with Thomas Tuchel choosing to explore alternative right-back options.
He revealed: "I spoke to Trent. It was a difficult phone call but I wanted him to hear it from me. Which he appreciated and he was very clear that he's desperate and keen to come back and play for England.
"It's all in the mix but it is a competitive decision. And just to make the competition a little bit more spicy. First and foremost, I think Trent is a player who needs to feel trust and love from his manager and team-mates and from his club, his country and the fans. He needs that.
"Reece is at the moment slightly ahead in this position, given what he did for us in the last two camps and how he played the CWC with Chelsea. And then we went for Tino Livramento because of the rhythm that he has and he gives us the option to cover both sides."
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