Trent Alexander-Arnold's time at Real Madrid is not going to plan and the former Liverpool defender was ripped to shreds by the Spanish media after the 1-1 draw with Girona
Former Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold has faced harsh criticism from the Spanish media following another underwhelming display during Real Madrid's 1-1 draw with Girona on Sunday.
Alexander-Arnold, who made the switch from Anfield to the Bernabeu in the summer, has endured a shaky beginning to his La Liga career. Spanish publication Marca delivered a scathing verdict on the 27 year old's performance following the stalemate in Girona.
Alfredo Relano, amongst Spain's most respected football journalists, delivered a damning assessment of Alexander-Arnold after he toiled against former Tottenham winger Bryan Gil and ex-Aston Villa left-back Alex Moreno down his flank.
He wrote: "Now that Trent is here, he seems like a clueless and insubstantial player, with the expression of a rabbit in the headlights. His quality at set pieces is masked by his right foot, but in open play he is non-existent."
The England international nearly gifted Girona a goal with a careless pass in the opening period and his delivery from wide areas was unusually wayward.
It appeared Alexander-Arnold was beginning to win supporters over after strong showings against Elche and Olympiacos. AS had lauded him, noting 'that feeling in his foot that allows him to create chances for his teammates'. They suggested he is 'becoming the team's set-piece specialist under Xabi Alonso'.
However, fortunes can shift rapidly at Real Madrid and Alexander-Arnold seems to be buckling under the weight of expectation, with his performances lacking consistency whilst enduring fierce scrutiny from Spain's media outlets.
Alexander-Arnold faced a hostile reception upon his return to Anfield last month when Real Madrid visited for their Champions League clash. The England international was met with boos both during his warm-up and when he entered the pitch as a second-half substitute.
Liverpool supporters remain hurt by the circumstances surrounding his exit, particularly as he allowed his contract to expire, meaning the club received a mere £10million for one of their key players.
The Scouser had previously declared his desire to spend his entire career at the Reds and eventually wear the captain's armband, making his switch to the Spanish giants all the more painful for fans.
The 26 year old's start to life in Madrid has been underwhelming, with no goals or assists to his name in 10 appearances this campaign. He did manage two assists across five matches during the summer's Club World Cup.
Ahead of Real's fixture against Girona, manager Xabi Alonso came to Alexander-Arnold's defence. "Trent is a top player, and we need him," said the 2010 World Cup champion.
"It's his first year, and this adjustment period is normal. He's also demanding of himself, and we have to support him through this significant change."