Real Madrid analysis: The importance of including Trent Alexander-Arnold and the need to find a manager capable of winning silverware
Trent Alexander-Arnold may be the missing piece Real Madrid need to finish the season with silverware.
The right-back left Liverpool last summer, hoping to make an immediate impact in the Spanish capital. But due to injuries and a lack of game time with his new team-mates, his initial contribution has taken more time than expected to materialise, writes Sports News Blitz writer Ruben Picardo Ashworth.
On Saturday, February 14, Los Blancos beat Real Sociedad in a convincing 4-1 victory, making it eight straight La Liga wins.
Alexander-Arnold, who made his first start in more than two months due to being sidelined with a thigh injury, played a pivotal role in the side.
It was 60 minutes of brilliance. He assisted the opening goal with a cross into Gonzalo Garcia, who poked it home. Made five recoveries, completed eight long passes, and did not get dribbled past.
The missing playmaker
The conversations around the 27-year-old were never about his attacking talent but his defensive vulnerabilities.
But Real Madrid, who thrive on quick transitions, need a playmaker.
Since the departures of Toni Kroos and Luka Modric, there has been a lack of chance creation.
Madrid have a magic to them. A moment of brilliance. Over the past few years, this magic has been at the forefront, due to big occasions where they looked dead and buried, but turned into historic nights.
However, Real Madrid need more than “luck,” they need restored dominance, and Alexander-Arnold may be a key piece of the puzzle.
Speaking after the game, Alvaro Arbeloa said: “He seems like a very intelligent lad who understands the game very well and quickly grasps what we want from him. He’s not your typical full-back who’s always going to be wide; he can also play centrally.
“We’re lucky to have a player like that. I’m happy that he continues to get playing time, find his rhythm, and keep getting back to his best form.
“It’s been a very pleasant surprise to see how he understands the game, how he sees the spaces. Things that are very important for a coach: having players who understand what’s wanted. Not just the passing to get the team running, but to implement everything we want from him.”
The quality and variation of passing were on full display. Los Blancos need someone to break lines and set the attackers off, and the opportunity to have this asset at right-back may prove the difference in the upcoming months.
But, as many know, Madrid is a ruthless side.
The England international will need to keep delivering if he is to gain the full backing from the supporters.
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The image of Real Madrid
A man who truly embodies Real Madrid is Dani Carvajal. But his future remains uncertain. His contract is set to expire in June 2026, and there has been no talk of a renewal.
The changing of the guard is starting to emerge at right-back, but Carvajal will always hold a special status within Madrid.
He has spent 23 years at the club and has won 27 titles, including four La Liga titles, the Copa del Rey twice and six Champions Leagues.
However, the 34-year-old club captain has only played 57 minutes since returning from a knee injury in early January.
He has not featured in four of the last five matches, and has seen academy graduate David Jimenez play in front of him.
Carvajal has been a long servant of the club, but times change, and eras end.
Balance within a squad is vital for success, and it looks to be the Englishman’s time to occupy the right flank.
Restoring squad balance
Since stepping up from the U21s, Arbeloa has implemented the 4-4-2 formation.
A midfield packed with quality and athleticism, and what seems to be a viable solution to support the need to start Alexander-Arnold at right-back.
The talent of Federico Valverde is acknowledged in the football world. His ability to play a number of positions when required has helped Madrid at the highest level.
Valverde played at right-midfield, and the excellent balance he provides alongside Alexander-Arnold makes his inclusion irresistible.
Real Madrid has been built on having the best players and winning the best trophies, even if that is to the detriment of individuals.
Long-serving president, Florentino Perez, has little patience for long-term projects or planning, as shown by the departure of Xabi Alonso, and fills the dressing-room with the biggest names, who do not always fit together.
Coaches are judged against a historic legacy, unforgiving standards, and ever-higher supporter demands.
Madrid are owned by 80,000 members who demand perfection, and a ruthless local media that criticise any dip in performances.
At Real, coaches' success depends on controlling superstar egos, managing Perez astutely, and understanding that winning the biggest trophies is everything.
Since 2000, Real Madrid have had 18 different coaches, and only three have won the Champions League. Vincente del Bosque won them in 2000 and 2002, Carlos Ancelotti in 2014, 2022 and 2024, and Zinedine Zidane in 2016, 2017 and 2018.
The pressures to deliver are huge.
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Jose Mourinho return
The surprise exit of Alonso has questioned who will be next to take charge.
If Spain has a poor World Cup, Luis de la Fuente may be a candidate.
But Perez is not afraid to offer second spells to successful managers. Few believed Ancelotti would win another two Champions League titles when he was at Everton and Napoli.
The idea of the self-proclaimed “special one” returning felt out of the question.
However, Jose Mourinho is not as much of a surprise anymore, considering the job he is doing at Benfica.
They are unbeaten in the league and scored in the 90+8 minute, with goalkeeper Anatoliy Turbin, to proceed to the knockout stages of the Champions League against Real Madrid.
The two sides prepare to face each other once again in the play-offs, and if Mourinho can conjure another masterclass, Madrid may be eyeing that break clause - that allows him to leave 10 days after their final game of the season - in his contract this summer.
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