21 hours ago
4
Xabi Alonso suggested that Trent Alexander-Arnold could be in line for more minutes for Real Madrid going forward after doing some good work with the right-back during the international break.
Alexander-Arnold was not called up to the England squad by Thomas Tuchel, so he remained in Madrid to train with his new club.
The 27-year-old has endured a disappointing start to his Madrid career, lining up in just two of Madrid's 16 games in all competitions this season. A muscle injury kept him out of a few games, but he has been back in the squad for the last four games – as an unused substitute in two of them, and as a late substitute in the other two.
Alonso has favored Uruguayan midfielder Federico Valverde at right-back in recent games, but the Madrid boss said that Alexander-Arnold will give the team more options in the weeks ahead.
"In this [international] break we've worked with Trent, collectively and individually, after the injuries he had," Alonso said.
"Trent being in better form gives us more options in that position, and we have other players too.
"Fede [Valverde] is still there. [Eder] Militao played right-back with Brazil the other day, and Raul [Asencio] can play there too."
Alexander-Arnold returned to Anfield with Madrid for a Champions League game earlier in November, just a few months after leaving Liverpool to join the Spanish team.
The right-back received a frosty reception as he entered the field as a second-half substitute, with fans still feeling sore over the manner in which he left Liverpool.
Ahead of the game, Alexander-Arnold was asked about the prospect of being received negatively by the supporters who used to chant his name, and he said that his feelings about the club will never change, regardless of how the fans now view him.
"Whatever way I'm received is the decision of the fans," Alexander-Arnold said.
"I'll always love the club, I'll always be a fan of the club. I'll always be thankful for the opportunities and the things we achieved together -- they'll live with me forever.
"No matter what, my feelings won't change towards Liverpool.
"I've got memories there that will last me a lifetime and, no matter how I'm received, that won't change."
English (US) ·