14 hours ago
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Trent Alexander-Arnold's eagerly anticipated Liverpool reunion could be thwarted by Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso.
The defender departed Anfield during the summer transfer window, completing a transfer to the Spanish team after running down his contract with Liverpool. His opening chapter at the Santiago Bernabeu was hampered by injuries, but having regained full fitness, Alexander-Arnold is expected to feature in Tuesday's Champions League fixture between Liverpool and Real Madrid at Anfield.
He's even been speaking about his return to Merseyside and has revealed whether he will celebrate in front of the Kop if he scores against his former club. Alexander-Arnold's selection prospects appeared to strengthen in recent days, with Dani Carvajal sustaining an injury, seemingly opening the door for Alexander-Arnold.
However, circumstances have developed differently.
The defender remained among the substitutes during Saturday's match against Valencia - a fixture that Real ultimately dominated 4-0. Instead, midfielder Federico Valverde was deployed at right-back.
Explaining the tactical choice, manager Alonso remarked: "We all see his level, how complete he is. With the ball, he has the soul of a midfielder, but physically, he's very powerful.
"Since he started playing, his level has been improving, he's getting more comfortable in the position, and we know he's a complete player. Because of our needs, he's played there and he's done well."
Elsewhere, summer acquisition and former Manchester United player Alvaro Carreras was selected at left-back, suggesting that position appears secured for the time being, especially following his goal against Valencia.
Alonso further commented: "He's very competitive, does everything well, stays focused when the ball is out of reach, is strong in duels, and knows how to choose the right option. It's great to have him with us."
As the Madrid manager starts to contemplate his line-up for the upcoming journey to Merseyside, Alexander-Arnold has dismissed a theory among Liverpool supporters that he began learning Spanish well before his move to Spain.
In a social media post, he clarified: "Hi, I'm Trent. I started learning Spanish with Sara five months ago. I didn't speak any Spanish before.
"I wanted to learn Spanish to communicate better with my teammates, my coach, and the Madrid fans - and adapt better to the culture.
"I really like the lessons because they were very football-based. The terminology we were learning about was press conferences, interviews, and vocabulary that I would need to talk to my teammates on a day-to-day basis within the club.
"This helped me very, very much, and I really enjoyed every lesson."
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