Spanish media have had their say on Trent Alexander-Arnold's performance for Real Madrid against Manchester City
Trent Alexander-Arnold relished Real Madrid's triumph over Manchester City on Wednesday evening. The Spanish team stormed into a 3-0 lead at the Bernabeu, making an impeccable start to their Champions League round of 16 tie.
Manager Alvaro Arbeloa selected Alexander-Arnold in his starting line-up, and the ex-Liverpool full-back would have been thrilled by Fede Valverde's first-half hat-trick. The Uruguayan midfielder garnered all the praise, but Spanish media had a mixed response to Alexander-Arnold's performance.
His one-on-one duel with City winger Jeremy Doku emerged as a concern. Pep Guardiola's squad were unable to better the early scoreline, but the right-back's attempts to stifle Doku attracted criticism.
However, the England international was commended for stepping up his game after half-time. The 3-0 outcome leaves City with a massive deficit to overturn ahead of the second leg at the Etihad Stadium next week.
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Alexander-Arnold will be hoping to keep his place as Los Blancos aim to secure their place in the quarter-finals. Here's what the Spanish press thought about the former Liverpool star's performance.
AS
Spanish outlet AS dubbed Alexander-Arnold as being "by far the weakest link" in Madrid's defence. The report claimed that the 27-year-old was "unable to contain Doku", forcing Valverde to help out.
He was also described as appearing "somewhat nervous and imprecise in possession". While that would represent a shift from his typical performance, Alexander-Arnold was commended for a clever chip shortly before being substituted in the 83rd minute.
Sport
The Spanish publication awarded him a six out of 10 in their player ratings. Sport characterised the defender as "one of Madrid's key players in building attacks".
However, the report noted that he "struggled defensively" against Doku. The City forward was praised for his attacking approach against the former Liverpool man.
Sport stated that Alexander-Arnold improved in the second half. Meanwhile, Doku's influence waned after a promising start.
Marca
Marca also scored the full-back a six out of 10 for his performance. The report echoed similar criticism of Alexander-Arnold struggling against Doku in the opening half.
The assessment of his first 45 minutes read: "Too much work on defence to shine on offence." However, that altered after the interval.
The publication suggested he reached "a truce" with Doku and improved defensively. Alexander-Arnold was credited with becoming "more solid" after overcoming the winger's early dominance.
Zawdilmnpz
1
my boy is not good defensive I wonder after Soo many years as a defender still you dnt learn anything the guy is very worse at depending especially one on one ..it's very embarrassing for the defender his age and experience by this time was sapose to be better
JessBond
0
Supporters just feel all is easy watching from the stand. Especially when a player is not at his best. it's easy to witness simple mistakes. Supporters should stop criticizing players but praise. It gives players negative altitude reading from supporters critics.
Seocdekntz
0
That's Spanish journalists for you. Trent's performance was not as bad as the journalists portrayed. He did a good job yesterday
Lekbenopsu
2
Every RB struggles to contain the electric Doku..Trent did him job well yesterday
Wingfield
3
Stop with all this nonsense nd give the man a break...