Real Madrid right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold is under mounting pressure—and could soon find himself on the bench. The 26-year-old’s early outings have drawn sharp criticism, raising fresh doubts about his fit in Xabi Alonso’s setup. Meanwhile, Manchester City are quietly monitoring his situation.
In his La Liga debut, Alexander-Arnold was substituted after just 68 minutes in a 1–0 win over Osasuna. His performance was described as “not up to Real Madrid’s level” by AS editor Tomás Roncero, who highlighted a lack of intensity and adaptability. He warned that once Dani Carvajal is fully match-ready, Trent may struggle to hold onto his starting role.
Carvajal’s return from a serious injury has injected energy and leadership back into the squad. As the newly appointed captain following Luka Modrić’s departure, his resurgence has only escalated the competition for the right-back spot. Journalists on Carrusel Deportivo note that as long as Carvajal remains fit, he’ll likely be Alonso’s preferred choice in key matches.
Read Also: Pakistan Deploys Army As India Warns Of Major Flood Risk
In press remarks, Carvajal embraced the rivalry, saying the competition has driven him to perform and contributes positively to the team’s dynamic.
City’s interest adds another layer of intrigue. Pep Guardiola and Manchester City are reportedly keeping tabs on Alexander-Arnold’s progress—ready to swoop if his tenure in Madrid falters.
Bottom line: Alexander-Arnold must adapt quickly if he hopes to secure his place. With Carvajal fit and in form, Madrid’s right-back role is far from guaranteed. And should his momentum stall, he may soon find new suitors in waiting.
