Trent Alexander-Arnold’s highly anticipated debut for Real Madrid in the FIFA Club World Cup ended in disappointment, as the former Liverpool star drew sharp criticism from Spanish media for an “underwhelming” performance in a 1-1 draw against Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal. The match, which marked the beginning of Xabi Alonso’s tenure as Real Madrid’s manager, saw the England international struggle defensively and fail to make a significant impact in attack, prompting a wave of scrutiny from journalists and fans alike.
Alexander-Arnold, who joined Real Madrid for £8.5 million earlier this month after a storied 20-year career at Liverpool, started at right-back in a 4-3-3 formation at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium. Despite the global spotlight on his first appearance in the iconic white shirt, the 26-year-old lasted just 65 minutes before being substituted by Lucas Vazquez. Real Madrid took the lead through Gonzalo Garcia in the 34th minute, but Al-Hilal equalized seven minutes later via a Ruben Neves penalty. A stoppage-time penalty miss by Federico Valverde ensured the spoils were shared, adding to the frustration of an uninspiring team display.
Spanish outlet Marca was particularly scathing, noting Alexander-Arnold’s struggles in the first half: “He was weak in a duel, and the move ended with Al-Hilal scoring offside.” The publication also highlighted a defensive lapse after the hour mark, describing the player as appearing “speechless” during an Al-Hilal counterattack. Football Espana gave him a 5/10 rating, stating, “There has been much talk about Trent Alexander-Arnold ahead of his debut, but it was an underwhelming one. He was not at his best defensively, and he struggled to make an impact in attack before being substituted.” Sport echoed these sentiments, criticizing his inability to adapt to the swelterin
g Florida heat and noting that he “never looked comfortable or created any advantage.”
Goal’s verdict was equally damning, observing that “some of his passing was loose, and he was badly exposed defensively.” The outlet reported that Alexander-Arnold lost possession 12 times, won only one of his four ground duels, and completed just one of five cross attempts. Even Defensa Central, a Real Madrid-focused publication, offered a tempered 5/10 rating, acknowledging a “discrete debut” while suggesting his potential could still shine through. Social media buzzed with disappointment, with a compilation video of his misplaced passes and defensive errors going viral shortly after the match.
The criticism comes amid high expectations for Alexander-Arnold, who was hailed as “one of the best full-backs in the world” by Real Madrid president Florentino Perez during his unveiling. His move to Madrid, which saw him leave Liverpool after 354 appearances and a trophy cabinet that includes the Champions League and two Premier League titles, was seen as a bold step to cement his legacy at the highest level. However, his debut performance raised questions about his ability to adapt to the intense scrutiny and tactical demands of La Liga’s giants.
Despite the backlash, Alexander-Arnold remained defiant, telling DAZN post-match, “It’s a very proud moment for me. It’s a moment that most, if not all players, dream of at some point in their life. It’s the first time I’ve moved clubs. I didn’t know what to expect, and it’s a big change, but I’m loving every single minute of it. In my mind and in my heart, I know that I made the right decision for me.” He also acknowledged the challenging conditions, citing the extreme heat as a factor, and expressed confidence in his ability to grow into his role.