Trent Alexander-Arnold slammed by Spanish media as Jurgen Klopp named

Trent Alexander-Arnold continues to face criticism from Spanish media after Real Madrid's 2-1 victory at Celta Vigo, with multiple outlets highlighting his defensive struggles and questioning his adaptation to La Liga

Trent Alexander-Arnold worked with Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool(Image: Getty Images)

Trent Alexander-Arnold continues to face scrutiny despite Real Madrid snatching a dramatic late win at Celta Vigo on Friday.

The former Liverpool full-back found himself in the firing line of Spanish media criticism, with Fede Valverde's stoppage-time winner doing little to shield him from negative reviews. Madrid took an early lead through Aurelien Tchouameni following a well-worked corner, but Borja Iglesias equalized after Williot Swedberg exposed Alexander-Arnold's defensive frailties before setting up his teammate.

The right-back was caught out once more when Iago Aspas nearly gave the home side the lead, but ultimately Valverde's deflected effort broke Celta's hearts in added time, despite protests over a potential foul on Celta star Fer Lopez.

Alexander-Arnold did produce one bright moment at 0-0, delivering an inch-perfect long pass to Vinicius Junior. However, the Brazilian's effort struck the woodwork, and the assist attempt was quickly overshadowed.

With Madrid set to face Manchester City in the Champions League round of 16 on Wednesday, several Spanish outlets expressed concerns — not solely about their new right-back — suggesting another below-par display would be punished more severely. Interestingly, while criticising the summer acquisition, some journalists referenced former Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp's deployment of the player at Anfield.

"Don't be shocked by Alexander-Arnold. He's always been like this," Marca remarked in its analysis. "Klopp said it himself right after leaving Liverpool: 'I just failed to teach him how to defend.'

Trent Alexander-Arnold is facing criticism in Spain(Image: Getty Images)

"Anyone who regularly watches Liverpool knows that Trent isn't exactly a defensive hound; his strength lies in pushing forward and distributing the ball with his exquisite passing. But defending? Forget it, as was proven once again with Celta's first goal. The only question is whether he doesn't know how or simply doesn't want to.

"So if you're a Real Madrid fan, don't get angry with the English full-back if you don't like his defensive performances. If anything, be angry with whoever signed him."

Klopp actually defended Alexander-Arnold's defensive work during his time in charge of Liverpool. Sport, meanwhile, handed Alexander-Arnold a dismal three out of 10 rating when evaluating Madrid's squad. "Trent's situation is very worrying," it stated.

"The Englishman is a problem in defense for Real Madrid, as demonstrated by Celta's first goal. He was very weak defensively and completely outmatched in every aspect of the game. To make matters worse, he's lost what little he contributed in attack. If Carvajal recovers somewhat, he'll be back in the starting line-up."

Similar sentiments were echoed in Mundo Deportivo, which highlighted that this wasn't the first time the right-back has struggled this season. Alexander-Arnold is only a few months into his six-year deal at the Bernabeu, yet some anticipated greater impact by now — despite injury problems disrupting his campaign.

"Tchouameni gave Real Madrid an early lead, but Celta Vigo quickly equalised through Borja Iglesias, in a move that once again exposed Trent Alexander-Arnold's shortcomings this season," the outlet wrote. "The English right-back, a shadow of his former self at Liverpool, arrived at Real Madrid with the reputation of a superstar, but as a Real Madrid player, he's a complete flop.

"Trent's lack of motivation, sluggishness, and poor positioning for the 1-1 equaliser were appalling. Swedberg had free rein over him before laying the ball off to Borja Iglesias, who fired past Courtois, once again the best player on his team."

The analysis from Cadena SER proved even more uncomfortable reading for Alexander-Arnold. Though the outlet did acknowledge his involvement in the opening goal.

"It's clear that Trent Alexander-Arnold's adaptation to Real Madrid has been difficult, but in the few minutes he's played this season, due to injuries, he's already made headlines," the publication's write-up read. "The Englishman proved to be one of the best right-backs in the world at Liverpool, but his strengths aren't the typical ones associated with the position."

Meanwhile, AS recognized Alexander-Arnold's attacking contributions, both in setting up Tchouameni's opening goal and Vinicius' effort that struck the frame moments earlier. Yet, they couldn't overlook his defensive vulnerabilities after being exposed during the opening 45 minutes.

"Williot, a recurring nightmare for Real Madrid, fought for a ball on the right. Trent, alarmingly, lost the challenge and the physical battle, failing to close down the Swede and allowing him to gift Borja Iglesias the goal," the outlet reported. "A goal of shared authorship, another yellow card for the Englishman, a good winger, a poor full-back."