Thibaut Courtois hails Trent Alexander-Arnold ‘quality’ after Real Madrid’s win over Juventus

Thibaut Courtois praised Trent Alexander-Arnold’s crossing ability after Real Madrid’s 1-0 win over Juventus in the Club World Cup, stating that he has never seen a player who offers such quality from crossing positions.

Alexander-Arnold registered his first assist for Real Madrid with a pinpoint cross for Gonzalo Garcia, who headed in past an inspired Michele Di Gregorio for the only goal of the game.

The former Liverpool full-back, who completed a move to Real Madrid ahead of the tournament after his contract with the Reds expired, was making his fourth appearance for Los Blancos and delivered a typically impressive crossing display, and was perhaps unlucky not to register another goal involvement as Madrid took control of the game.

And at full-time, Madrid goalkeeper Courtois was full of praise for his new teammate as he spoke to DAZN, labelling Alexander-Arnold as “amazing”.

“He’s horrible in training, his crossing is amazing, his free-kicks and corner kicks [too],” he said. “As a keeper it keeps you on your feet.”

“I don’t think I’ve seen a guy with this quality” he added, referring to Alexander-Arnold’s ability from crosses and set-piece situations.

Alexander-Arnold registered 23 goals and 92 assists across his Liverpool career, including 64 assists in the Premier League alone – the most ever for a defender.

And the England defender, who has played in every game at the Club World Cup, looks set to be a key part of Xabi Alonso’s Real Madrid set-up, with Los Blancos clearly hoping to benefit from his crossing ability just as much as Roberto Firmino, Mo Salah and co, did during his time at Liverpool.

The win over Juventus means Madrid book a place in the quarter-finals of the Club World Cup, where they will face either Borussia Dortmund or Monterrey. That match kicks off at 8pm BST on Saturday, 5 July at the MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford.