Three months into his highly anticipated transfer to perennial Champions League champions Real Madrid, Trent Alexander-Arnold finds himself grappling with the very same fundamental questions that shadowed his time at Liverpool. Doubts persist about his optimal position – whether he is best suited for midfield or defense – and what his definitive role should be within the England national team. This period was meant to signify a fresh beginning for one of the world`s most uniquely talented right-backs, but old debates continue to resurface.
The discussion regarding his England role has intensified recently, following manager Thomas Tuchel`s decision not to include Alexander-Arnold in the squad for upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Andorra and Serbia. Tuchel carefully explained that this was not a permanent dismissal but rather an opportunity for the player to adapt and establish himself in Spain. The England boss conceded that his previous call-up for the June international break might have overlooked the significant personal and professional adjustments involved in Alexander-Arnold`s first-ever club transfer. Despite this, Tuchel reaffirmed his admiration for the player, stating he remains `a big fan of Trent.`
While Tuchel`s sentiments may be genuine, recent observations indicate that he is still determining Alexander-Arnold`s ideal fit, especially in high-stakes matches. Throughout domestic league campaigns, Alexander-Arnold has consistently demonstrated that his occasional defensive frailties are largely overshadowed by his exceptional creative output. In the five Premier League seasons leading up to the current one, only Bruno Fernandes recorded a higher expected assist total, and no other player delivered more passes into the final third. Both Jurgen Klopp and, to a degree, Arne Slot, tailored their offensive strategies and build-up play around their dynamic right-back, positioning him to exploit central and advanced areas, confident that his contributions would yield more goals than any defensive vulnerabilities might concede.
However, the strategic approach shifts significantly in knockout competitions. Tuchel, known for his pragmatic and possession-oriented coaching, understands from his Chelsea tenure that a strong defensive foundation and a high number of clean sheets significantly increase a team`s chances of success in major tournaments. Despite his recent words of encouragement for Alexander-Arnold, Tuchel`s true concerns may have been revealed prior to the summer fixtures, when he notably favored Kyle Walker and even an out-of-position Curtis Jones over the Real Madrid newcomer.
Tuchel previously emphasized: “The substantial impact he made for Liverpool for so many years… if he aspires to replicate that impact with the English national team, then he must wholeheartedly commit to the defensive aspect of his game. Especially in qualifying and tournament football, a single defensive lapse, a moment of insufficient concentration, can be pivotal. It can be the difference between advancing and being eliminated.”
Alexander-Arnold has experienced such decisive moments firsthand. During Liverpool`s impressive journey to the 2022 Champions League final, a momentary lapse at the back post in the first half allowed Vinicius Junior to slip in and score the decisive goal. This raises the question of whether Tuchel would trust him in a crucial match against Serbia, let alone in the high-stakes environment of a summer tournament. The competition for his position is also intensifying, with a rejuvenated Reece James and Tino Livramento now vying for spots. Furthermore, Ben White`s self-imposed absence from the national team has concluded, and an injury at Arsenal was the only factor preventing his potential inclusion this month.
Comparable hurdles are emerging for Alexander-Arnold at Real Madrid`s Santiago Bernabeu. He has already experienced being benched, though this is perhaps unsurprising given that club captain Dani Carvajal is the other primary right-back option. While there`s no significant alarm regarding Alexander-Arnold`s long-term prospects – he delivered a strong performance upon his return to the starting lineup against Mallorca, only denied an assist by a VAR offside call involving Kylian Mbappe – his integration has already become a subject of discussion in the Spanish media. Reports described him as `timid` during his home debut and criticized his decisions as `conservative.` Even during the Club World Cup, speculation arose about his long-term future potentially lying in central midfield, a familiar debate throughout his career, despite his struggles in that role during Euro 2024 seemingly having settled the matter.
Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso has actively downplayed any concerns, stating last month that the competition between Carvajal and Alexander-Arnold for a single position is “fantastic for elevating the squad`s overall quality.” He further indicated that lineup decisions would be made based on the specific skill sets required for each match. With a demanding season potentially comprising 60 games, following a Club World Cup summer, it is logical that squad roles might remain flexible. This fluidity is particularly relevant considering Alexander-Arnold`s rapid return from an ankle injury last season for his Liverpool farewell, immediately followed by international commitments, a major summer tournament, and a condensed off-season consumed by the logistics of relocating from Merseyside to Madrid.
However, Alexander-Arnold himself is undoubtedly eager to solidify his place. He has openly expressed his aspiration to win the Ballon d`Or, and in a recent interview with GQ Spain, he articulated his `desire to test myself in a new context.` While he is certainly encountering that challenge early in his Madrid career, achieving football`s most prestigious individual accolades will likely require more than a rotational role.
To become an undisputed starter for both Real Madrid and England, a significant improvement in his defensive game would be crucial. This would help bridge the perceived gap with Dani Carvajal`s defensive solidity and alleviate Tuchel`s concerns regarding his performance in pivotal international fixtures. Commendably, Alexander-Arnold did demonstrate defensive progress last season under Arne Slot, who utilized him in a more defensively disciplined capacity.
Nevertheless, the defensive advancements he made last season have not yet fundamentally altered the prevailing narrative surrounding Alexander-Arnold. As long as the England manager`s decisions align with the reservations held by many critics, Alexander-Arnold faces an uphill battle to definitively address these persistent questions.
Upcoming Match Details: England vs. Andorra
- Date: Saturday, September 6
- Time: 12:00 PM ET
- Location: Villa Park, Birmingham, United Kingdom
- Broadcast: TV: FS2, Stream: Fubo
- Odds: England -3300; Draw +1800; Andorra +12500
