Trent Alexander-Arnold’s true feelings emerge as Real Madrid nightmare set for another setback

Former Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold’s true feelings at Real Madrid have supposedly emerged, though his tough spell in the Spanish capital doesn’t look like changing any time soon

There was a school of thought when Trent Alexander-Arnold left Liverpool to sign for Real Madrid that he might finally be able to escape the discourse.

Throughout his time at Anfield, there was always a debate about whether he was strong enough defensively to counteract his incredible contributions going forward. Leaving England, though, there was a possibility that the focus would switch to his strengths.

So far, however, that does not appear to have been the case. His time at Real Madrid until now has seen him work under three different managers, and the latest — Jose Mourinho — does not look, on paper, to be a good fit for his style.

Last week, Mourinho selected Fede Valverde as his right-back against Sevilla. When it worked, he stuck with the Uruguayan in the Champions League demolition of RB Leipzig.

In addition to another more conventional right-back in Denzel Dumfries, it was not exactly a vote of confidence in Alexander-Arnold, who was left on the bench for the seventh time this season.

“The other day, half-jokingly, half-seriously, I was saying that if we had four Fedes, one would play at full-back, another in midfield, on the right wing, as a number 10…” Mourinho said.