MADRID – Trent Alexander-Arnold’s return to the pitch for Real Madrid this past weekend, even for a brief 15-minute cameo against Valencia, has sparked a wave of optimism amongst supporters and prompted a measured response from head coach Álvaro Arbeloa. The 27-year-old’s first appearance since offered a glimpse of the impact he could have as Real Madrid enters the decisive stretch of the season, particularly with a Champions League knockout tie against Benfica on the horizon.
Despite the limited playing time, Alexander-Arnold’s influence was immediately noticeable, according to fans who took to social media to express their excitement. One supporter commented that his minutes “felt like a prime performance” and even suggested the team’s style of play improved with his presence. Another questioned whether he deserved a starting role in every match, while a third simply stated that “football has missed him.”
However, Arbeloa has cautioned against rushing the former Liverpool right-back back into a prominent role. “After being out for a long time, we are taking the same approach with him as with others returning from injury,” Arbeloa stated following the match. “We are proceeding cautiously and calmly because what we want is for him to find his rhythm, his best playing form. That’s how it will be with Trent.”
This measured approach is particularly significant given Alexander-Arnold’s injury-plagued debut season with Real Madrid. Since joining the Spanish giants in , he has been limited to just 17 appearances in all competitions, disrupted by a hamstring injury sustained in September and a subsequent quad injury in . His initial arrival was met with praise, with Spanish media noting his ability to “drift inside from full-back,” a skill that quickly became apparent during his early performances.
Arbeloa’s comments also serve to dispel earlier speculation regarding Alexander-Arnold’s long-term future at the club. The club had carefully shielded the England international from rumors suggesting he might not feature in Arbeloa’s plans and his public address confirmed that Alexander-Arnold remains a central figure in Real Madrid’s vision. This reassurance is particularly notable given the recent managerial change, as the relationship Alexander-Arnold built with former manager Xabi Alonso became “redundant” when Alonso was sacked less than eight months into his tenure.
The situation surrounding Dani Carvajal, Real Madrid’s other right-back, adds another layer of intrigue. Carvajal was surprisingly left out of the squad for the Valencia match, reportedly causing considerable unhappiness. While the reasons for his omission remain unclear, it potentially opens the door for Alexander-Arnold to compete for the starting position. The Athletic reported that Carvajal was visibly frustrated during a training session following the match.
Arbeloa, a former Liverpool and Real Madrid right-back himself, may be uniquely positioned to help Alexander-Arnold integrate fully into the team. His understanding of the demands of the position at both clubs could prove invaluable as Alexander-Arnold seeks to regain his peak form and establish himself as a key player for Los Blancos. The coach’s experience could be crucial in navigating the challenges of a new league, a new team, and a new tactical system.
The timing of Alexander-Arnold’s return is particularly crucial as Real Madrid prepares for the first leg of their Champions League knockout tie against Benfica. While Arbeloa is prioritizing a cautious reintegration, the prospect of having Alexander-Arnold fully fit and firing for the crucial European matches is undoubtedly a significant boost for the club. His ability to contribute both defensively and offensively, particularly his passing range and vision, could be a key asset as Real Madrid aims to advance to the next stage of the competition.
Alexander-Arnold’s debut season in Madrid has been anything but smooth, but his recent return to fitness and Arbeloa’s public backing suggest that he still has a significant role to play. The coming weeks will be critical as he works to regain his rhythm and prove his worth to the club and its demanding fanbase. The challenge now is not just to get back on the pitch, but to consistently deliver the performances that made him a star at Liverpool and justify Real Madrid’s investment.
