Trent Alexander-Arnold sent message over Real Madrid role after transfer warning

Trent Alexander-Arnold left Liverpool in 2025 to join Real Madrid, but he has struggled for consistency so far in Spain thanks to mixed form and a couple of injuries

Real Madrid full-back Trent Alexander-Arnold left Liverpool last summer(Image: Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

Former Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold made his first start under new head coach Alvaro Arbeloa this weekend as Real Madrid beat Real Sociedad by four goals to one.

Los Blancos moved ahead of Barcelona and into top spot in La Liga, though Hansi Flick's side plays Girona later today and could retake the lead with a victory. Alexander-Arnold played an hour and set up Gonzalo Garcia's opener after five minutes.

"I can’t say I’m surprised," Arbeloa said via beIN SPORTS. "He is a very intelligent boy, who understands the game very well and quickly understands what we want from him.

"He is not the typical full-back who will always be wide, but he can also play inside. For us, we are lucky to have a player like that.

"Having Gonzalo in the area, he could look for crossing situations. He’s a great player, I’m not going to discover him now. I’m happy that he continues to get more minutes, get into a rhythm and find the best version of himself."

So far this season, Alexander-Arnold has only started six La Liga games due to a mixture of inconsistent form and several injury issues that have kept him sidelined.

Trent Alexander-Arnold has had a frustrating start to his Real Madrid career(Image: Diego Souto, Getty Images)

Earlier this week, the Spanish outlet Defensa Central reported that AS Roma's Wesley Franca is being lined up to come in and play right-back for Real Madrid next season.

While it wouldn't be to replace Alexander-Arnold — it would be to succeed Dani Carvajal — Franca could add some extra competition in the same position.

Carvajal is said to be unhappy with a more limited role in the team and his contract is set to expire in the summer. He was left out of the Real Madrid matchday squad recently as it took on Valencia.

"I don't need to explain the importance of Dani," Arbeloa said after that game. "He's the one who always has something to say before and after matches.

"It's very important for the players to have a reference like him in the dressing room, and I'm sure he's going to find his best form.

"With the patience and effort we're putting in and his dedication, I'm confident that he's getting closer to regaining his relevance."

Liverpool.com says: Alexander-Arnold will be a success in Spain. It's been a slow-ish start for him, but his ability level is high enough for him to do well there. Once his fitness returns to normal, his quality is unquestionable.