Spanish Media Share Strong Opinions on Trent Alexander-Arnold After Real Madrid Debut

• The Spanish media have had their say after Trent Alexander-Arnold’s Real Madrid debut
• The Englishman featured on Wednesday in the Club World Cup clash against Al Hilal
• The former Liverpool star's performance drew sharp criticism from local outlets after the 1-1 draw

Spanish media have reacted following Trent Alexander-Arnold’s debut for Real Madrid in their Club World Cup opener against Al Hilal.

The La Liga giants kicked off their campaign on Wednesday evening at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium, taking on the Saudi Pro League side in a Group H fixture.

Gonzalo Garcia, filling in for an unwell Kylian Mbappe, found the net for Madrid before ex-Wolves star Ruben Neves equalised from the spot to seal a surprising 1-1 draw.

Heading into the game, fans were eager to watch former Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold in action for the first time since his summer move.

Spanish media slams Alexander-Arnold's display vs Al Hilal

But following an underwhelming team display, the Spanish press offered a blunt critique of the England international’s debut.

Alexander-Arnold, whose transfer was confirmed after months of speculation, was officially presented at Real Madrid City on June 12, per the BBC.

Although the Englishman's contract with Liverpool was set to expire at the end of June, Real Madrid opted to pay £10 million to bring him in early, allowing the 26-year-old time to adapt to Xabi Alonso’s system during the Club World Cup.

However, his debut performance fell short, with the right-back’s defensive lapses contributing to several dangerous moments for the Spanish side.

Spanish media echoed the disappointment of Real fans, offering a scathing review of his first outing in white.

Responding to Alexander-Arnold's first-half display, Spanish publication Marca commented:

"Trying to get more into the game. He went too far in a switch to find Vinicius. He was weak in a duel, and the move ended with Al Hilal scoring offside."

Meanwhile fellow Spanish outlet SPORT added:

"Little newcomer so far. Trent Alexander-Arnold, too hastily, commits fouls down the right."

Fans will not have to wait long before they can see Alexander-Arnold in action once again as Real Madrid face Mexican club Pachuca in their second Club World Cup match on Sunday evening.

Why didn't Alexander-Arnold use his surname on his Real Madrid shirt?

Meanwhile, Real Madrid confirmed before the Al-Hilal game that Alexander-Arnold will wear "Trent" on the back of his shirt instead of his surname, per Mirror Football.

Alexander-Arnold updated his Instagram handle from @trentarnold66 to simply @trent.

Speaking at his first Real Madrid press conference, he explained the change:

“People call me Alexander, Arnold, Alex, and Trent. There’s a lot going on, so I thought let’s make it easy.”

Alexander-Arnold joins exclusive Englishmen to join Real Madrid

YEN.com.gh earlier reported that Alexander-Arnold becomes the seventh Englishman in recent times to wear the iconic white shirt of Los Blancos.

Though English players have often struggled to adapt to Spanish football, several have left lasting impressions, both good and bad.

Proofreading by Omoleye Omoruyi, copy editor at YEN.com.gh.

Source: YEN.com.gh