Trent Alexander-Arnold`s transfer to Real Madrid, a club renowned for Champions League success, was expected to offer him a fresh start. Yet, just over three months after leaving Liverpool, persistent questions about the uniquely talented right-back`s optimal role persist. Is he better suited to midfield or defense? And what should his specific responsibilities be for England?
This debate regarding his England role has resurfaced following Thomas Tuchel`s decision not to include Alexander-Arnold for the World Cup qualifiers against Andorra and Serbia. Tuchel clarified that this was not a complete exclusion but rather an opportunity for Alexander-Arnold to “settle and find his rhythm” in Spain. The England manager acknowledged that his prior call-up in June might have underestimated the personal and professional adjustments required for a player making his first career transfer, maintaining that he remains “a big fan of Trent.”
Despite Tuchel`s supportive remarks, recent observations suggest the manager is still evaluating how Alexander-Arnold fits into his plans for crucial matches. In league play, Alexander-Arnold`s defensive vulnerabilities are often overshadowed by his exceptional offensive contributions. Over the past five Premier League seasons, only Bruno Fernandes surpassed him in expected assists, and he led the league in passes into the attacking third. Managers like Jurgen Klopp and Arne Slot crafted their offensive and build-up strategies around their right-back, pushing him forward and centrally, confident that his attacking output would outweigh any defensive risks.
However, in knockout competitions, the tactical considerations shift. Tuchel, known for his cautious, possession-based approach, learned from his Chelsea tenure that a strong defensive foundation and consistent clean sheets significantly boost championship chances. Thus, despite his recent encouragement, Tuchel`s more revealing comments came before the summer matches, where he favored Kyle Walker and even an out-of-position Curtis Jones over Alexander-Arnold.
Tuchel emphasized, “The significant impact he`s had for Liverpool over many years… if he wishes to replicate that impact for the English national team, he must treat the defensive aspect with utmost seriousness.” He continued, “Especially in qualifying and tournament football, a single defensive lapse, a moment of inattention, can be decisive. It can mean packing your bags and heading home.”
Alexander-Arnold has experienced such a moment previously. In Liverpool`s 2022 Champions League final run, his momentary lapse at the back post allowed Vinicius Junior to score the lone goal. The question now is whether Tuchel would trust him in a high-stakes match against Serbia, let alone in the crucial tournaments next summer, especially with other strong contenders like a revitalized Reece James and Tino Livramento available. Ben White`s return from England exile, if not for an Arsenal injury, could have also added to the competition this month.
Similar challenges confront Alexander-Arnold at the Santiago Bernabeu. He has already been benched, which is perhaps unsurprising given that Real Madrid`s other right-back is club captain Dani Carvajal. While there`s no major concern about Alexander-Arnold`s long-term future – he impressed in a recent start against Mallorca, only to have a potential assist for Kylian Mbappe ruled offside by VAR – his adaptation is a topic of discussion in the Spanish media. He was described as “timid” on his home debut, and his decisions were labeled “conservative.” Early on, questions arose about a potential long-term move to central midfield, a familiar debate throughout his career, despite his struggles in that role during Euro 2024.
His club manager, Xabi Alonso, has sought to downplay any issues, stating last month that the competition between Carvajal and Alexander-Arnold “enhances the squad`s level” and that he would select players based on the specific skills required for each game. With a packed schedule potentially including 60 matches after a Club World Cup summer, squad rotation and positional fluidity are understandable at Madrid. This is particularly relevant given Alexander-Arnold`s hurried return from an ankle injury last season for his Liverpool farewell, followed immediately by international duty, a summer tournament, and a condensed summer break consumed by the logistics of moving from Merseyside to Madrid.
Nevertheless, Alexander-Arnold aims to solidify his position. He has voiced ambitions to win the Ballon d`Or and, in a recent interview with GQ, expressed a “desire to test myself in a new context.” He is certainly facing that challenge early on, but securing the top individual accolades will require more than a shared role.
How can he become an undisputed starter for both club and country? Improving his defensive game would undoubtedly help, narrowing the gap with Carvajal and alleviating Tuchel`s reservations about his performance in major international fixtures. To his credit, Alexander-Arnold showed defensive improvement last season when deployed in a more conservative role by Slot.
For now, however, the perception surrounding Alexander-Arnold hasn`t shifted significantly. When the England manager`s actions align with the views of many skeptics, Alexander-Arnold faces a tough task in definitively answering these persistent questions.
