Alvaro Arbeloa Says Real Madrid Are 'Fortunate' to Have Trent Alexander-Arnold After Impressive Assist

By: Shawn
‎Real Madrid head coach Alvaro Arbeloa has spoken highly of Trent Alexander-Arnold, describing the English right-back as a valuable asset for the Spanish side. Alexander-Arnold joined Los Blancos last summer on a free transfer, a move that frustrated Liverpool supporters, but his start in Madrid has been mixed due to injury struggles limiting his impact.
‎
‎Real Madrid coach Alvaro Arbeloa hails Trent Alexander-Arnold’s intelligence and versatility following his first league start of the season against Real Sociedad, emphasizing the club’s luck in having the England right-back.
‎Getty Images Sport 

‎On Saturday, Alexander-Arnold made only his sixth league start of the season in Real Madrid’s 4-1 victory over Real Sociedad. He also contributed his second league assist of the campaign, setting up Gonzalo Garcia in the fifth minute, helping the team extend their winning streak to eight consecutive league games and reclaim the top spot in La Liga.
‎
‎Despite a stop-start season and limited minutes, Alexander-Arnold has been linked with a potential return to the Premier League. Reports suggest Manchester City are interested as they plan to strengthen their defense in the summer, with the right-back position a priority under Pep Guardiola.
‎
‎Following his standout performance, Arbeloa praised Alexander-Arnold’s game intelligence and tactical awareness. Speaking to Real Madrid TV, he said: “It was great to see how he reads the game and understands spaces. That knowledge is vital for a coach, having players who grasp exactly what we want.”
‎
‎Alexander-Arnold started ahead of Dani Carvajal, who had recently returned from injury. Federico Valverde was moved back into midfield, and later, Carvajal replaced Alexander-Arnold in the final 30 minutes. Arbeloa added: “Trent is a highly intelligent player. He’s not confined to the flanks and can operate centrally. We’re fortunate to have someone with his versatility.”
‎
‎Arbeloa also commended Vinicius Junior, who scored twice against Real Sociedad after serving a suspension in the previous match against Valencia. “Vinicius has been performing at an exceptional level. He’s more than just stats; he can change the course of a game,” Arbeloa stated.
‎
‎Regarding Kylian Mbappe, who remained an unused substitute against Real Sociedad, Arbeloa reassured fans about the forward’s condition. “Mbappe has been managing some knee discomfort, but we didn’t want to risk him ahead of the Champions League match against Benfica on Tuesday,” he explained.
‎
‎Real Madrid will travel to Lisbon to face Benfica in the first leg of the Champions League playoff, with the winner facing either Sporting CP or Manchester City in the round of 16.

Comments

Post a Comment

TRENDING!

Inter Miami Target Casemiro as Free Agent to Replace Sergio Busquets

Image
‎Inter Miami are reportedly exploring a deal to sign Casemiro once his Manchester United contract expires in June. The Brazil international has confirmed he will leave Old Trafford at the end of the campaign, and the MLS club are evaluating the possibility of bringing him in as a successor to Sergio Busquets and a key ally for Lionel Messi. ‎ ‎Inter Miami are considering a move for Casemiro after his Manchester United exit announcement, with LA Galaxy and Sao Paulo also monitoring the midfielder. ‎Getty Images Sport  ‎Miami Monitoring Casemiro Situation ‎ ‎According to The Sun, interest in Casemiro is growing, with Inter Miami and several Brazilian sides keeping close tabs on his availability. The experienced midfielder has stated he will depart United when his current deal concludes, opening the door to a potential free transfer. ‎ ‎With Busquets having retired last year, the David Beckham-owned club have identified the Brazilian as a possible replacement in midfield. ...
Read more

Arne Slot Provides Florian Wirtz Injury Update After Liverpool Beat Nottingham Forest

Image
‎Arne Slot has reassured supporters that Florian Wirtz did not suffer a major injury despite being removed from the starting lineup shortly before Liverpool’s clash with Nottingham Forest. The German midfielder was initially named in the team but pulled out after experiencing discomfort during the warm-up. ‎ ‎Arne Slot gives an update on Florian Wirtz’s injury after Liverpool’s 1-0 win over Nottingham Forest, sealed by Alexis Mac Allister’s late strike. ‎Getty Images Sport  ‎ ‎Liverpool replaced him with Curtis Jones and went on to edge the contest 1-0 at the City Ground. The decisive moment arrived deep into stoppage time when Alexis Mac Allister found the net in the 96th minute. ‎ ‎Wirtz Forced Out Late ‎ ‎Wirtz had been listed among the starters, but following pre-match preparations, he was withdrawn. Speaking afterward, Slot explained that the issue was not believed to be serious, though the player felt significant discomfort in his back. ‎ ‎“We don’t think it is ve...
Read more

Neymar Hints at Possible Retirement After 2026 World Cup Amid Injury Struggles

Image
Neymar has revealed that retirement could be on the horizon after 2026, with the veteran Brazilian forward confronting recurring injury issues. The 34-year-old is focused on representing Brazil at this summer’s World Cup but is uncertain about his longer-term career. ‎ ‎Neymar admits he could retire after 2026 as knee injuries mount. He aims for the World Cup with Brazil but is unsure of his long-term playing future. ‎Getty Images Sport  The former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain star underwent knee surgery in December 2025 to address a persistent problem, following a year-long absence due to anterior cruciate ligament damage. Since returning to his boyhood club Santos, Neymar has been rediscovering his enjoyment for the game, agreeing to a contract that extends through the end of the calendar year. A recall to the national squad remains a top priority for Neymar, who has not played for Brazil since October 2023. Speaking to CazeTV, he explained, “I don’t know what th...
Read more

Chelsea FC all-time records and honours: Complete list of trophies, players and club stats

Image
Chelsea Football Club, based in Fulham, London, and founded in 1905, has grown into one of the most successful and decorated football clubs in the world. With a storied legacy etched in both domestic and international football, Chelsea’s all-time records highlight their rise from a competitive English side to global powerhouse. Explore Chelsea FC's all-time records, legendary players, historic trophies & stats. A full honours list & milestones from 1905 to today. Getty Images Sport Chelsea FC: Full List of Major Trophies Won Domestic Titles: • First Division / Premier League: 6 (1954–55, 2004–05, 2005–06, 2009–10, 2014–15, 2016–17) • FA Cup: 8 (1970, 1997, 2000, 2007, 2009, 2010, 2012, 2018) • League Cup (EFL Cup): 5 (1965, 1998, 2005, 2007, 2015) • FA Community Shield: 4 (1955, 2000, 2005, 2009) European & International Titles: • UEFA Champions League: 2 (2011–12, 2020–21) • UEFA Europa League: 2 (2012–13, 2018–19) • UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup: 2 (1970–71...
Read more

‎Alonso Snubs Marseille, Eyes Stable Liverpool Opportunity

Image
‎Xabi Alonso has reportedly turned down the chance to manage Marseille, describing the Ligue 1 club as too unstable for his liking. Following a short-lived tenure at Real Madrid, the former midfielder is prioritizing projects with structural security, with speculation growing over a future role at Liverpool as Arne Slot struggles. ‎ ‎Xabi Alonso turns down Marseille due to club instability, focusing on long-term projects and leaving Liverpool as a possible next destination. ‎Getty Images Sport  ‎RMC Sport claims that Marseille’s approach was “immediately” declined by Alonso, 44. The French club, seeking a successor to Roberto De Zerbi, who departed unexpectedly earlier this month, acted quickly. Yet Alonso’s decision reflects his desire to avoid repeating the instability he experienced in Madrid, after a challenging seven months in charge of the Spanish giants. ‎ ‎The atmosphere at Marseille has been tense since De Zerbi’s exit after a crushing 5-0 loss to PSG on Februa...
Read more

Manchester United Lead Race as Scott McTominay Eyes Premier League Return

Image
‎Reports from Italy suggest that Manchester United are currently the frontrunners in any potential deal involving Scott McTominay. The Scotland international is said to be eager to return to the Premier League at some stage, with 2026 emerging as a possible timeline. ‎ ‎Manchester United reportedly head the race to sign Scott McTominay, as the Napoli midfielder considers a dream move back to the Premier League in 2026 after record-breaking success in Italy. ‎Getty Images Sport  ‎ ‎The 29-year-old has performed impressively in Italy while playing for Napoli, winners of the Serie A title. Despite his success there, the midfielder remains open to returning to English football in the future. ‎ ‎McTominay joined the Naples side in summer 2024 for £32 million ($44m). His debut campaign delivered immediate success as he helped secure the league title while also collecting MVP recognition, marking a historic season. ‎ ‎During that campaign, he surpassed the long-standing scorin...
Read more

Arne Slot Provides Alexander Isak Injury Update with Possible March Return for Liverpool Star

Image
‎Arne Slot has issued an encouraging update regarding Alexander Isak, suggesting that the striker could be back in action before the 2025-26 season concludes. ‎ ‎The Swedish forward, who became Liverpool’s record signing, required surgery after sustaining a broken leg in a clash with Tottenham Hotspur on December 20. Despite the severity of the injury, his season has not been ruled out, with steady progress reported during rehabilitation. ‎ ‎Arne Slot shares encouraging news on Alexander Isak’s recovery after leg and ankle fractures, hinting at a possible late March or early April return as Liverpool chase trophies in 2025-26. ‎Getty Images Sport  ‎ ‎Isak underwent an operation to repair fractures to his fibula and ankle. The 26-year-old had joined Liverpool FC from Newcastle United in the summer of 2025 for a British-record £125 million ($168m). Arriving at Anfield without the benefit of a full pre-season, he spent much of the campaign trying to reach peak fitness. ‎ ‎...
Read more

Man City Midfielder Kalvin Phillips Closing in on Championship Move to Sheffield United

Image
‎Kalvin Phillips is on the verge of departing Manchester City on loan, with Sheffield United set to secure the midfielder’s services until the end of the season. The Daily Telegraph reports that the Championship side are close to completing a deal that would see the City player step down a division. ‎ ‎Kalvin Phillips is preparing to leave Manchester City on loan for Sheffield United, with the Championship club agreeing a deadline-day deal without a buy option. ‎Getty Images Sport  ‎ ‎Since arriving from Leeds United, Phillips has endured a frustrating spell at the Etihad Stadium, struggling to break into Pep Guardiola’s plans. Although he remains registered for Premier League action this campaign, he has yet to feature and recently picked up an injury that briefly stalled discussions. ‎ ‎Despite that setback, talks have continued. According to The Athletic, Sheffield United and Manchester City have now finalised an agreement, with Phillips scheduled to undergo a medica...
Read more

‎Scaloni Reveals Strategy to Stop Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal Ahead of La Finalissima

Image
‎Lionel Scaloni has unveiled Argentina’s tactical approach to neutralize Lamine Yamal in the upcoming La Finalissima clash against Spain in Qatar. The European champions will face the Copa America winners next month in the pre-World Cup showdown, often viewed as the national team counterpart to the old Intercontinental Cup. For Yamal, it will be a first-time meeting with Lionel Messi on the international stage. ‎ Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni reveals his plan to contain teenage sensation Lamine Yamal as Spain prepare to face Argentina in the La Finalissima in Qatar. ‎Getty Images Sport  ‎ ‎Argentina enter the match as reigning champions after a commanding 3-0 win over Italy at Wembley in 2022, with goals from Lautaro Martinez, Angel Di Maria, and Paulo Dybala. The next edition, originally scheduled for last year, is now confirmed for March in Qatar. ‎ ‎Much attention is on how Argentina plans to curb the threat of Barcelona’s teenage winger. Yamal, only 18, has quickly...
Read more

Julian Alvarez's disallowed penalty cost Atletico Madrid in Champions League shootout loss to Real Madrid

Image
‎Julian Alvarez's penalty was controversially disallowed during Atletico Madrid's shootout loss to Real Madrid in the Champions League on Wednesday. ‎ ‎' Julian Alvarez. ' ‎Getty Images Sport  ‎ ‎The match, a tense last-16 clash, had ended in a 2-2 aggregate draw, sending the game into penalties. Alvarez, who stepped up to take Atletico’s second spot-kick, initially scored. However, his celebration was short-lived when a VAR review showed that the Argentine forward had inadvertently touched the ball twice as he struck it, resulting in the penalty being ruled out. ‎ ‎With the disallowed goal, Real Madrid led 2-1 in the shootout, and Federico Valverde capitalized on the advantage to extend Madrid's lead. Atletico’s Angel Correa then converted his penalty, keeping his team’s hopes alive. The momentum briefly shifted when Atletico’s goalkeeper, Jan Oblak, saved Lucas Vazquez’s penalty, offering a glimmer of hope. But, as Marcos Llorente hit the woodwork with...
Read more