Alonso's Public Backing for Struggling Defender
Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso has thrown his full support behind Trent Alexander-Arnold as the England international continues to adapt to life in Spanish football. The former Liverpool right-back completed his highly anticipated move to the Bernabeu during the summer transfer window but has yet to display his best form for the Spanish giants.
A hamstring injury in September significantly disrupted Alexander-Arnold's progress, limiting him to just five starts so far this campaign. The timing couldn't have been worse for the defender, who was attempting to establish himself in a new league and country.
Contrasting Real Madrid Arrivals
Interestingly, Alonso's own experience joining Real Madrid as a player presents a stark contrast to Alexander-Arnold's current situation. The Spanish manager made his £30million switch from Liverpool back in 2009 and immediately became a crucial component in Real's midfield engine room.
While Alonso did wait until his second season to secure silverware with Los Blancos, he quickly established himself as a regular starter and fan favourite. This difference in initial impact makes his understanding of Alexander-Arnold's predicament particularly noteworthy.
"Trent is a top player, and we need him," declared Alonso during his pre-match press conference ahead of Sunday's trip to Girona. The 2010 World Cup winner emphasised his belief in the defender's quality despite the challenging start.
Current Real Madrid Situation
Real Madrid travel to Catalonia occupying second position in La Liga, having recently surrendered top spot to arch-rivals Barcelona following consecutive draws. The team's form has shown some vulnerability despite their strong squad.
Alexander-Arnold featured in both of those drawn encounters, coming on as a substitute against Rayo Vallecano before completing the full ninety minutes versus Elche. These appearances marked his return after missing seven consecutive league matches during his injury recovery.
Real's defensive options have been stretched this season, with veteran right-back Dani Carvajal spending considerable time on the sidelines due to a knee problem. This has forced Federico Valverde to deputise in the full-back position for much of Alonso's inaugural campaign as manager.
Despite the external speculation and rumours about Alexander-Arnold's future already circulating, Alonso remains adamant about the unity within his squad. "I've always felt that the team is united, and that we all know what the objective is," he stated confidently.
The manager added that the squad maintains a strong connection on a daily basis and remains solid internally, regardless of what external voices might suggest about their cohesion during this transitional period.
