Xabi Alonso Backs Trent to Recover Form at Real Madrid

Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso has publicly backed Trent Alexander-Arnold after the England defender has had a slow start since moving to Spain. Alexander-Arnold has struggled to find form and missed time with a hamstring injury. He has started only five matches this season.

Alonso, who played for Real and now manages the side, said he wants to help the player settle. “Trent is a top player, and we need him,” Alonso said before the trip to Girona. He added, “It’s his first year, and this adjustment period is normal. He’s also demanding of himself, and we have to support him through this significant ce.”

Alonso returned to Real this summer more than ten years after leaving as a player, and he quickly became a key figure in midfield back then. He has not claimed he fully understands Alexander-Arnold’s situation, but he has shown public support while the player adapts to a new club and a new league.

Real won 4-3 against Olympiakos in the Champions League thanks to four goals from Kylian Mbappe. In the league, however, Real have drawn their last two games and dropped behind Barcelona in the table.

Alexander-Arnold took part in both recent league matches. He came on as a substitute at Rayo Vallecano and then played the full match against Elche. Before those games he had missed seven straight league matches while recovering from injury.