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.
zaycdiopsz
0
ffvjj
Wocbnopry
1
without Trent ... Manchester city would have smashed Madrid... city put all their ride on flooring Trent side so that he doesn't make dangerous passes to Vini...which only helped Madrid
Wocbnopry
2
looks like Spanish media don't know how to rate Trent nor how to appreciate him... Spanish media is rated at 2 for poor understanding of Trent
medimnprsu
2
trent was Best
marqueswilliams
1
That's why Valverde was covering up and Pitarch too sometimes. Same way they had eyes on Vini. When you've players like that you don't expect a single player to counter them but Trent held his grounds well. He did well
Luoabcels
2
Please leave Trent alone
Vanadlnopz
4
since dani came back from injury, he is making a lot of stupid mistakes. he was once a legend, but now he is done.at least we are much better going forward with Arnold
Vanadlnopz
3
Stop running down Arnold because he is English, is this Madrid team better with Alexander Arnold inside. by far! compre to when dani play.
Vanadlnopz
0
The Spanish press need to be honest with them self dani caveral is finished.
vebdknpsuz
1
all this flatter is you people want calvajah to start
EmeraldJ
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
Products of illegitimate union are not hard to spot in a Pool
japaeimnrz
3
you always look for TRENT s mistake just accept that your Spanish boy cavajo is a tired leg you don't talk his contribution in atack
akeemβ784
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
shut up π
petbikmrty
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
You don't know what you are saying. I believe you didn't watch that or else you would seen All the interventions made by Arnold. Very useless comment.
kemalmnprs
0
If you want to know who Doku is capable of please give him the best of the best you know so thank Trent for keeping him quiet. Doku is not a simple player because he can turn you upside down with just one push of the ball. Doku is the best in the world in that position because he has speed, precision and ability
Best in the world in that position you say He's not better than Lookman at Athle not to talk of Barcola from PSG
Buzbeikmrt
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
U lied. Foolish Liverpool ππ
jekbeilnru
3
Arnold did so well last night champions league against Man City and am praying that heβll continue like that so that Fede Valverde will take him usual midfield position ππππππβ€οΈβ€οΈβ€οΈβ€οΈβ€οΈπππ
Kudaoruz
2
If you want to know who Doku is capable of please give him the best of the best you know so thank Trent for keeping him quiet. Doku is not a simple player because he can turn you upside down with just one push of the ball. Doku is the best in the world in that position because he has speed, precision and ability
Zawdilmnpz
4
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
5
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
1
That's Spanish journalists for you. Trent's performance was not as bad as the journalists portrayed. He did a good job yesterday
Lekbenopsu
6
Every RB struggles to contain the electric Doku..Trent did him job well yesterday
Wingfield
7
Stop with all this nonsense nd give the man a break...