Trent Alexander-Arnold STARTS for Real Madrid as England defender makes long-awaited debut for Spanish giants in Club World Cup clash after leaving Liverpool
Trent Alexander-Arnold has been named in Real Madrid's starting XI as he makes his long-awaited debut for the Spanish giants.
Madrid kick off their Club World Cup campaign against Al-Hilal at Inter Miami's Hard Rock Stadium, the home of Lionel Messi, on Wednesday evening.
Alexander-Arnold, simply known as Trent on the back of his Madrid shirt, is playing in his first club game since he ended his 20-year association with boyhood side Liverpool.
The right-back has chosen the number 12 shirt and wowed supporters with his fluent Spanish at his unveiling last week.
Los Blancos paid Liverpool £10million for the defender despite his contract expiring, so that they could guarantee his involvement in the Club World Cup.
They will hope that the Englishman, who has signed a six-year deal, can spearhead them to a sixth title, having last won it in 2022.
Real Madrid paid Liverpool £10m so they could secure the defender's services a month early
On Monday, the 26-year-old spoke for the first time about how he is adapting to life as a Galactico and rubbing shoulders with the likes of Jude Bellingham, Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jnr.
'Hot to start with but a good session with some good things,' he told the club's website.
'[It was] good to get a feel of the ball and a feel of the heat training in this climate so it was a good session.
'[It was] high quality. The ball moves very fast. Obviously it's a lot different to what I'm used to in terms of the players and the style of play but it's good and I'm enjoying the change and I'm enjoying being a part of it. It feels really good and I'm happy to be here to be honest.'
Before his unveiling as a Real player at the Bernabeu last week, Alexander-Arnold embarked on a tour of the club's facilities, where he was even shown some of the club's recent Champions League trophies.
Wednesday's fixture also marks Xabi Alonso's first game as Madrid boss after taking over from Carlo Ancelotti.
Madrid lifted the Club World Cup trophy three years in a row between 2016 and 2018 and begin the tournament against Saudi side Al-Hilal.
The Riyadh-based outfit finished second in the Saudi Pro League and boast Joao Cancelo, Kalidou Koulibaly, Ruben Neves and Sergej Milinkovic-Savic in their squad.
They appointed Simone Inzahgi, who led Inter Milan to the Champions League final less than three weeks ago, as manager earlier this month.
Madrid will face Mexican side Pachuca and Red Bull Salzburg as they look to top their group.
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Daily Mail
an hour ago
- Daily Mail
Trent Alexander-Arnold opens up on Real Madrid debut and reveals what Xabi Alonso told the team at half-time as Spanish giants are held by Al-Hilal at Club World Cup
Trent Alexander-Arnold insisted that he knows he 'made the right decision' to join Real Madrid after making his debut for Xabi Alonso 's side at the Club World Cup. Madrid were held to a 1-1 draw by Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal in Miami, with the former Liverpool man playing 65 minutes before he was replaced by Lucas Vasquez. 'It's the first time that I've moved clubs so I didn't know what to expect. I had no expectations coming into this,' Trent told Mail Sport. 'It's a big change and it's different but I'm loving every single minute of it and in my mind and my heart, I know that I made the right decision for me.' The game started at 3pm local time in conditions that were far from ideal for football, with temperatures in excess of 30 degrees celsius and high levels of humidity. 'Yeah, I found it very challenging (in that heat). It's very different from England,' Trent admitted. 'But it was a very proud moment for me. I'm very happy to have made my debut. It's something that most, if not all players, dream of in their life. I'm incredibly proud of the achievement but of course there's some disappointment (with the result) with the mentality that comes as a Madrid player. You want and expect to win every single game but of course, new coach, some new players and new ideas - there's some positives to take from it, especially in the second half and the foundation has been built to go and win the next game now,' added the 26-year-old. The Spanish side took the lead through Gonzalo Garcia before Ruben Neves levelled from the spot just before half-time, in a half where Simone Inzaghi's side dominated. Madrid improved after the break but Federico Valverde had a 90th minute penalty saved by Bono as Al Hilal held on for a famous result. 'He (Alonso) didn't say anything specifically to me at half-time. He said we needed to control the game more and dominate the ball, especially in this heat. In these games, you have to dominate the ball otherwise you're chasing shadows. The heat really kicks in so it's important for us to keep hold of the ball as much as possible,' said Trent. Madrid next take on Mexican side Pachuca in Charlotte on Sunday.
Scottish Sun
an hour ago
- Scottish Sun
Trent Alexander-Arnold already showing signs of old class in Real Madrid shirt even if he's put a new name on the back
All recommendations within this article are informed by expert editorial opinion. If you click on a link in this story we may earn affiliate revenue. Here's why the ex-Liverpool star can be quietly pleased with his debut in the Miami heat TAA DAA Trent Alexander-Arnold already showing signs of old class in Real Madrid shirt even if he's put a new name on the back TRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD was caught up in a Club World Cup clash far more dramatic than anyone could have predicted as he made his Real Madrid debut. The ex-Liverpool right-back played the first 64 minutes of a 1-1 draw against Saudi big spenders Al-Hilal. Advertisement 12 Trent Alexander Arnold launched his Real Madrid career on the right of defence as an inverted wing-back Credit: Alamy 12 He drifted into midfield when Real had the ball Credit: Getty And the England ace had an eventful evening at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami. He saw Gonzalo Garcia slot a brilliant team goal to launch Xabi Alonso's reign as Real boss in majestic style. But former Wolves anchorman Ruben Neves soon levelled with a 41st-minute penalty after Raul Asencio pulled Marcos Leonardo's short. Al-Hilal were furious with a spot-kick award against Mohammed Al Qahtani when his arm went across Fran Garcia's face on the corner of the box in the 90th minute. Advertisement READ MORE IN FOOTBALL RISE & TYNE Newcastle to offer Rashford chance to revive career after Man Utd woes WATCH EVERY MATCH OF THE CLUB WORLD CUP 2025 LIVE ON DAZN But ex-Sevilla keeper Yassine Bounou guessed correctly from Federico Valverde's penalty - plunging to his right to keep it out and ensure a deserved point in the Group H opener. Meanwhile, TAA was not just in a new top, he had a new moniker on the back - simply "Trent". So was his first Real game just as straightforward? Advertisement Here's our man STEVE BRENNER's verdict on the 26-year-old's performance. 12 Alexander-Arnold outshone the very quiet Jude Bellingham Credit: Getty 12 He was heavily involved up and down the right side 12 TAA is looking forward to his future - with something new on his back Credit: Getty Advertisement BEST ONLINE CASINOS - TOP SITES IN THE UK An attacking threat? With the searing afternoon temperatures in Miami edging closer to a sweltering 33 degrees, the tempo of the game was a long way off the standard intensity. 12 Trent Alexander-Arnold reveals he's been 'waiting a long time' to join Real Madrid For most of the first half, Alexander-Arnold, along with his new pals, tried to conserve energy when possible. Advertisement But it was his initial pass deep in his own half that started the move which ended with Gonzalo Garcia's 34th-minute opener. The England international pumped his fists into the air when the ball hit the back of the net. Early in the second half, he found himself on the edge of the box with the ball at his feet, but the killer pass just eluded him. He also appeared to operate slightly more centrally after the break as Real searched for a winner. Advertisement Defensively sound? The former Liverpool man was operating in an inverted wing-back role, which saw him largely tuck inside closer to the centre-back pairing of fellow new boy Dean Huijsen — making his Real debut following his move from Bournemouth — and Asencio. When the Spanish giants were in possession, TAA drifted into midfield and was on hand to try and penetrate a robust Al-Hilal backline. He made a couple of key interceptions as the first half wore on — including one which helped set up the opener — and looked defensively solid. 12 Alexander Arnold was straight into the thick of the action Credit: Alamy Advertisement 12 This graph shows how he never switched flanks 12 The Three Lions ace looked solid defensively Has he settled in already? Certainly looked that way. Having fellow England international Jude Bellingham — who was very quiet here — must help, as will his already noticeable Spanish skills, which will only improve as he fully integrates himself into the Madrid way of life. With Alonso also starting afresh in the Spanish capital, everyone, including Trent, is beginning with a clean slate. Advertisement Any surprises/anything new? Just having 'TRENT' on the back of his shirt was a new look for the 26-year-old. At Liverpool, and for England, the Scouser was the main man for free-kicks. But when one was given on 57 minutes, it was Turkish ace Arda Güler who stepped up—and subsequently failed to deliver. His race was run after 64 minutes, with Alonso keen to bring on fresh legs, but the sparks from his debut were promising enough. What did he say about it? "It's an incredible day for me to make my Real Madrid debut. It's something almost every player dreams of so to be able to achieve it is huge for me. Advertisement "Of course, there's some disappointment in there because we haven't won the game. It's the mentality you need to have as a Real Madrid player is to want and expect to win every game that you play in. "It's disappointing not to win. But there were a lot of positives, especially in the second half." On the support... "Incredible. I felt the support from the moment I signed for the club. It's absolutely sensational. The fanbase that is truly global all over the world. You feel it every single day, the fans at the training ground and the hotel and on social media. Advertisement "It's a huge thank you for that. We dominated the stands today, which was incredible. The support was truly amazing." On the game... "I think in the second half we kept the ball really well - that is what we lacked in the first half. "In this heat, it is important to keep hold of the ball as best as you can. We were in and around their box a lot. Advertisement "We put in crosses, got shots off but it just wasn't meant to be. We also had the penalty late on. These things do happen in football. "Nobody is to blame and we take the positives, and we have things we can work on. I am sure we will do that going into the next game." And on how long he's been learning Spanish... "Not too long. A couple of months. It was something important that I had to do. I want to adapt and give myself the best start possible going to a new country, new city and new team. Advertisement "It is important to show the intent that I want to embrace the culture, immerse myself in it and try to adapt as best as possible." 12 Alexander-Arnold looked at home in a clash that was also Real legend Xabi Alonso's first game back at the club as manager Credit: Getty 12 In contrast Bellingham was largely anonymous for the Spanish giants Credit: Getty 12
The Sun
an hour ago
- The Sun
Trent Alexander-Arnold already showing signs of old class in Real Madrid shirt even if he's put a new name on the back
Steve Brenner, Exclusives Reporter Published: Invalid Date, T RENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD was caught up in a Club World Cup clash far more dramatic than anyone could have predicted as he made his Real Madrid debut. The ex- Liverpool right-back played the first 64 minutes of a 1-1 draw against Saudi big spenders Al-Hilal. And the England ace had an eventful evening at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami. He saw Gonzalo Garcia slot a brilliant team goal to launch Xabi Alonso 's reign as Real boss in majestic style. But former Wolves anchorman Ruben Neves soon levelled with a 41st-minute penalty after Raul Asencio pulled Marcos Leonardo's short. Al-Hilal were furious with a spot-kick award against Mohammed Al Qahtani when his arm went across Fran Garcia's face on the corner of the box in the 90th minute. But ex- Sevilla keeper Yassine Bounou guessed correctly from Federico Valverde's penalty - plunging to his right to keep it out and ensure a deserved point in the Group H opener. Meanwhile, TAA was not just in a new top, he had a new moniker on the back - simply "Trent". So was his first Real game just as straightforward? Here's our man STEVE BRENNER 's verdict on the 26-year-old's performance. 11 11 11 An attacking threat? With the searing afternoon temperatures in Miami edging closer to a sweltering 33 degrees, the tempo of the game was a long way off the standard intensity. Trent Alexander-Arnold reveals he's been 'waiting a long time' to join Real Madrid For most of the first half, Alexander-Arnold, along with his new pals, tried to conserve energy when possible. But it was his initial pass deep in his own half that started the move which ended with Gonzalo Garcia's 34th-minute opener. The England international pumped his fists into the air when the ball hit the back of the net. Early in the second half, he found himself on the edge of the box with the ball at his feet, but the killer pass just eluded him. He also appeared to operate slightly more centrally after the break as Real searched for a winner. Defensively sound? The former Liverpool man was operating in an inverted wing-back role, which saw him largely tuck inside closer to the centre-back pairing of fellow new boy Dean Huijsen — making his Real debut following his move from Bournemouth — and Asencio. When the Spanish giants were in possession, TAA drifted into midfield and was on hand to try and penetrate a robust Al-Hilal backline. He made a couple of key interceptions as the first half wore on — including one which helped set up the opener — and looked defensively solid. 11 11 Has he settled in already? Certainly looked that way. Having fellow England international Jude Bellingham — who was very quiet here — must help, as will his already noticeable Spanish skills, which will only improve as he fully integrates himself into the Madrid way of life. With Alonso also starting afresh in the Spanish capital, everyone, including Trent, is beginning with a clean slate. Any surprises/anything new? Just having 'TRENT' on the back of his shirt was a new look for the 26-year-old. At Liverpool, and for England, the Scouser was the main man for free-kicks. But when one was given on 57 minutes, it was Turkish ace Arda Güler who stepped up—and subsequently failed to deliver. His race was run after 64 minutes, with Alonso keen to bring on fresh legs, but the sparks from his debut were promising enough. What did he say about it? "It's an incredible day for me to make my Real Madrid debut. It's something almost every player dreams of so to be able to achieve it is huge for me. "Of course, there's some disappointment in there because we haven't won the game. It's the mentality you need to have as a Real Madrid player is to want and expect to win every game that you play in. "It's disappointing not to win. But there were a lot of positives, especially in the second half." On the support... "Incredible. I felt the support from the moment I signed for the club. It's absolutely sensational. The fanbase that is truly global all over the world. You feel it every single day, the fans at the training ground and the hotel and on social media. "It's a huge thank you for that. We dominated the stands today, which was incredible. The support was truly amazing." On the game... "I think in the second half we kept the ball really well - that is what we lacked in the first half. "In this heat, it is important to keep hold of the ball as best as you can. We were in and around their box a lot. "We put in crosses, got shots off but it just wasn't meant to be. We also had the penalty late on. These things do happen in football. "Nobody is to blame and we take the positives, and we have things we can work on. I am sure we will do that going into the next game." And on how long he's been learning Spanish... "Not too long. A couple of months. It was something important that I had to do. I want to adapt and give myself the best start possible going to a new country, new city and new team. "It is important to show the intent that I want to embrace the culture, immerse myself in it and try to adapt as best as possible." 11 11 11
