Eden Hazard, Philippe Coutinho, Joao Felix – the list of big-name players whose careers went completely wrong after transfers is long. Unfortunately, in the heart of Spain, it could expand with another player.
For Trent Alexander-Arnold, often shortened to TAA, his career seemed to be going well before his move to Real Madrid. A regular player for Liverpool Football Club who is becoming a club legend. In addition, he is a two-time Premier League champion, a Champions League winner and an important member of the England national team. What might a transfer change? The word “everything” probably sums it up best.
Upon arriving at the Royals, he immediately faced two opponents, his own body and Daniel Carvajal. TAA has missed 17 official games this season due to injuries. His team-mate Carvajal caused uproar when he returned for 14 minutes last weekend, more than two months after the 2-0 away win at Valencia, and had to continue to warm up the bench.
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According to unanimous reports in Spanish media, the captain is said to have accused Real Madrid boss Alvaro Arbeloa of replacing TAA only because the Englishman was guaranteed playing time by president Florentino Perez. Carvajal himself has just returned from injury, but until then he was often prioritized.
As if these football-related issues weren’t enough, things aren’t going well for Alexander-Arnold with the Three Lions either.
“I spoke to Trent. It was a difficult call but I hope he hears me,” England coach Thomas Tuchel explained at a press conference in September. Tuchel previously decided not to nominate the star defender for the national team for the first time since March 2021.
The reason is mainly his defensive discipline: “I find that he sometimes relies too much on his attacking performances. If he wants to get a place in the national team, he has to take defense very, very seriously.” There is no doubt that TAA is an extremely attack-oriented defender who has made a huge contribution to the sporting success of Liverpool Football Club.
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In 354 games for the Reds, he assisted 92 goals and even scored 23 goals himself. That was the main reason the Royals signed him over the summer. Speaking of last summer, there was another hot spot in Arnold’s life – Liverpool fans.
At least some Reds fans were unhappy with his move. After traveling to Liverpool to attend the funeral of his long-term team-mate Diogo Jota, he received a clear message.
Unidentified people defaced the mural he unveiled on Sybil Road in 2019. Among other things, they wrote “Goodbye Rat” on the artwork and daubed Alexander-Arnold’s No. 66 jersey. It feels like everything is working against the 27-year-old. At least his current age is good for him at Real Madrid.
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For Carvajal, 33, there are signs he will leave in the summer. If his body cooperates again, TAA may become the Royals’ starting right guard by then and regain his former strength. Perhaps also through a new interpretation of his playing style. If he can show more discipline on the defensive end, Thomas Tuchel basically can’t ignore him.
What Alexander-Arnold must not forget is that in football, things can go downhill very quickly. However, they can progress just as quickly. This sport has proven this time and time again.
This article was translated into English by artificial intelligence. You can read the original version of 🇩🇪 here.
