Liverpool fans say the same thing after watching Alexander-Arnold’s Real debut
Liverpool fans reacted all but unanimously to Trent Alexander-Arnold’s debut performance for Real Madrid.
Despite Liverpool enjoying a dream first season under Arne Slot, crowned by a Premier League title, they’ll now have to move forward without one of their most iconic homegrown players.
Alexander-Arnold completed his switch to Real Madrid earlier in the summer after months of speculation surrounding his future.
With Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk choosing to renew their contracts at Anfield, the full-back instead opted for a fresh challenge abroad and has already made his first appearance under new head coach Xabi Alonso.
Real Madrid paid a small fee to ensure the England international could feature in the Club World Cup. However, it wasn’t the dream start for either the player or the club, with the Spanish side falling short of expectations in their opening fixture.
Real Madrid held to disappointing draw against Al-Hilal in Club World Cup opener
There was plenty of anticipation ahead of Alonso’s first match in charge, but it ended in frustration as Real Madrid were held to a 1-1 draw by Al-Hilal in their Club World Cup opener.
21-year-old Gonzalo Garcia opened the scoring after latching onto a pinpoint pass from Rodrygo – who continues to be linked with a move to Arsenal this summer.
However, former Wolves midfielder Ruben Neves equalised from the penalty spot, denying Madrid a winning start.
Alexander-Arnold made his debut for Los Blancos but was substituted after 65 minutes. The full-back registered just one interception, won only one of his four ground duels, and managed a single key pass in a mixed showing.
His performance didn’t go unnoticed — especially by Liverpool fans still reeling from his departure.
| Match statistics | Trent Alexander-Arnold |
| Minutes | 65′ |
| Key passes | 1 |
| Interceptions | 1 |
| Ground duels won | 1 |
| Aerial duels won | 0 |
Liverpool fans hit out at Alexander-Arnold after shaky Madrid debut
The relationship between Alexander-Arnold and Liverpool supporters had already soured before his summer switch, with growing rumours during the season.
Liverpool fans even booed Alexander-Arnold towards the end of the campaign which caused Jurgen Klopp to publicly defend his former player before returning to celebrate the club’s title win.
Now officially a Madrid player, Alexander-Arnold’s debut was closely watched and criticised by Reds fans on social media.
One posted: “Trent is still a big liability in defence” while another wrote: “Good riddance! [Ibrahima] Konate and [Mohamed] Salah won’t have to babysit Trent’s shaky defending anymore.”