Trent Alexander-Arnold\u2019s long-awaited La Liga debut for Real Madrid has been met with sharp criticism in Spain. After leaving Liverpool in the summer, the 26-year-old right-back made his first league appearance at the Santiago Bernab\u00e9u in a 1\u20130 win over Osasuna, but his performance left the Spanish press unimpressed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
MARCA branded his display \u201clukewarm,\u201d highlighting the same defensive vulnerabilities that followed him in the Premier League. The paper noted that Dani Carvajal, whom Alexander-Arnold was signed to replace, immediately raised the standard after coming on. El Confidencial went further, calling Trent\u2019s performance \u201ctimid\u201d under the Bernab\u00e9u lights and contrasting him with fellow debutant \u00c1lvaro Carreras, who offered more attacking spark on the opposite flank.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso sought to temper the criticism, describing his four debutants\u2019 performances as \u201csolid, perhaps not spectacular, but their nerves did not weigh them down.\u201d Still, Madridistas demand excellence, and Alexander-Arnold will quickly realise that reputation counts for little in Spain\u2019s unforgiving footballing culture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Liverpool fans, meanwhile, seized on his struggles. Many took to social media to mock their former No.66, delighted to see new signing Jeremie Frimpong shine in his place at Anfield. Wayne Rooney even suggested Frimpong might prove Liverpool\u2019s most influential signing this season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Trent’s performance from @CF_Compss<\/a> twitter below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n