La Liga expert suggests Trent may be benched at Real Madrid
Xabi Alonso Faces Key Selection Call Over Trent Alexander-Arnold
Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso is facing a crucial decision regarding the selection of Trent Alexander-Arnold in the upcoming matches.
After securing the services of the England international before the FIFA Club World Cup in June, Los Blancos are now reaping the benefits of his presence on the team.
Alexander-Arnold has been a consistent presence in the squad, starting in five out of six games in the USA, highlighting his importance to Alonso’s plans.
Despite starting the La Liga season opener against Osasuna, there are concerns about his performance from right back, especially with the return of club captain Dani Carvajal from injury.
Carvajal replaced Alexander-Arnold during the Osasuna game, showcasing his defensive grit and experience that could potentially earn him a starting spot in the future.
Growing Calls for Carvajal to Replace Alexander-Arnold
Some voices within the football community are advocating for the inclusion of Dani Carvajal in the starting lineup over Trent Alexander-Arnold.
La Liga reporter Javi Casquero has suggested that Carvajal’s return to full form could see Alexander-Arnold relegated to the bench in the upcoming weeks.
As Real Madrid prepares for two upcoming games before the September international break, Alonso will need to make a decision on who will take the starting spot at right back.
Both Carvajal and Alexander-Arnold are expected to feature in their respective national teams during the FIFA 2026 World Cup qualifiers, adding another layer of complexity to Alonso’s decision.
Upcoming Matches and International Duties
Real Madrid will face Real Oviedo on August 24 and Mallorca on August 30 before the September international break, where players will join their national teams for World Cup qualifiers.
Carvajal is set to represent Spain in their matches against Bulgaria and Turkey, while Alexander-Arnold will join England for games against Andorra and Serbia.
Alonso will need to carefully manage the playing time of both players to ensure they are in peak condition for both club and country commitments.
