Trent Alexander-Arnold singled out by Real Madrid coach after latest display

Trent Alexander-Arnold made his first start for Real Madrid in more than two months on Saturday and was lauded by manager Alvaro Arbeloa for his performance in the 4-1 win over Real Sociedad

Trent Alexander-Arnold played well on Saturday(Image: Getty Images)

Alvaro Arbeloa heaped praise on Trent Alexander-Arnold following the Real Madrid defender's impressive return from injury, declaring the Spanish team is 'lucky to have' the former Liverpool star.

Alexander-Arnold, 27, has endured an injury-ravaged first season at Los Blancos, managing just six La Liga starts for his new team, which has led to speculation over his future. His displays have also come under scrutiny in certain circles, while the manager who lured him to the Spanish capital, Xabi Alonso, departed his role last month.

Reports emerged in January suggesting Arbeloa, who replaced Alonso as boss, had instructed Alexander-Arnold to leave the club, although these allegations have since been dismissed.

The former Liverpool right-back was full of admiration for Alexander-Arnold after he delivered an emphatic performance on his first start in over two months, providing an assist in the 4-1 victory over Real Sociedad.

"Working with [Alexander-Arnold], he strikes me as a very intelligent guy, who understands the game very well, and quickly grasps what we want from him," Arbeloa said after Saturday's game.

"He's not the typical full-back who's always going to be out wide. He can also play centrally.

Trent Alexander-Arnold helped Real Madrid win 4-1(Image: Getty Images)

"We want players to be able to interchange positions. We're lucky to have a player like that."

Alexander-Arnold will be hoping that his injury woes are a thing of the past as he sets his sights on securing a spot in England's World Cup squad this summer.

Back in November, Thomas Tuchel disclosed that he planned to have discussions with Alexander-Arnold and other potential candidates for the trip to the United States, Canada, and Mexico, outlining what they need to do to make the cut.

He stated: "First of all, it's my job now to make contact with everyone, players like Trent.

"Players that are on our long list, 55, 60 players, to reach out to them, be in touch with them, explain to them why they were not here.

"Explain to them what they have to do, where they can improve. Can they even do something, or is it just a choice?

So this is my job, in the next weeks and months.

"I hate phone calls. Better on FaceTime. Then I see the expression, at least, and get a feeling for the person. Or I need to visit them, visit training, training grounds."