Alonso gives Alexander-Arnold hope: More options for Real Madrid

Xabi Alonso Highlights Trent Alexander-Arnold’s Improvement and Analyzes Real Madrid’s Situation

Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso has expressed his satisfaction with the improvement in Trent Alexander-Arnold’s performance, after hard work in training during the international break. Alonso believes that this improvement gives the team “more options” in the right-back position. Alexander-Arnold, who was not called up by the England coach, has been working intensely to regain his best form. His participation in the team has been limited due to an injury, although Dani Carvajal has also been absent due to a similar problem. In the last month, Alexander-Arnold has only played nine minutes in Madrid’s 1-0 defeat to Liverpool in the Champions League, and seven minutes in the 0-0 draw against Rayo Vallecano.

During a press conference, Alonso commented: “During this international break we have worked with Trent, both collectively and individually, after the injuries he had. The fact that Trent is in better shape gives us more options in that position, and we also have other players. Fede Valverde is available, Militao played right-back with Brazil the other day, and Raúl can play there too.” Real Madrid’s performance against Liverpool and Rayo Vallecano was criticized, as the team failed to score in either match, and Kylian Mbappé did not register a shot on goal in either encounter.

We didn’t score in Liverpool or Vallecas, but it’s not just about Kylian, it’s about the team. When we don’t score, we have to look for alternatives: the wingers, the midfielders, set pieces… The goals will come back, I have no doubt.

Xabi Alonso

Alonso, who took office last summer, described the criticisms as “normal”, even though the team leads the LaLiga table. Additionally, Alonso spoke about Militao’s injury during international duty, but highlighted the upcoming return of Antonio Rüdiger, another central defender. It’s very good news that Rüdiger is close. Probably not for tomorrow, but we’ll see for Athens against Olympiacos. With his level and his personality, it’s important to have him. Militao’s injury is not serious, but we will miss him, and having Toni as soon as possible is very good news.