Key Takeaways
- Trent’s early Real Madrid training sessions reportedly labeled underwhelming
- He’s adjusting to the club’s intense pace and tactical discipline under Xabi Alonso
- Former Liverpool boss Arne Slot previously criticized his training attitude
- England manager Thomas Tuchel has also questioned his defensive sharpness
- His Club World Cup debut will be an early test of his readiness
Reality Check in Training
Since joining Real Madrid, Trent Alexander‑Arnold has found the training sessions far more intense and tactically demanding than what he was used to at Liverpool. His teammates are reportedly helping him transition, but the adjustment has been anything but smooth.
Defensive Concerns Revisited
Trent’s former manager at Liverpool, Arne Slot, didn’t hold back in his assessment—questioning the defender’s intensity in training and even suggesting his departure was a blessing. Slot had previously raised issues about Trent’s defensive commitment. England manager Thomas Tuchel has also emphasized that Trent must improve defensively to remain a fixture at the international level.
High‑Wire Act at Real Madrid
Under Xabi Alonso, Real Madrid demands both positional discipline and mental sharpness. While Trent’s elite passing and creativity are seen as assets, his current lack of tactical cohesion and defensive stability have already raised concerns within the club’s ranks.
What’s Next
Trent is expected to feature in the upcoming Club World Cup. His performance will be crucial—not just for securing a place in Madrid’s starting XI but also for answering critics who doubt whether he can handle the step up in responsibility and tempo at one of the world’s most demanding clubs.
