Real Madrid Sign Another Gálactico In Trent Alexander-Arnold

Although not official yet, Trent Alexander-Arnold’s transfer to Real Madrid shook the football world last week. This happened after famous transfer market expert Fabrizio Romano tweeted a ‘Here We Go’ announcement, expected for this summer. Amid the hysteria, one might ask: What does this mean for the player and the club?

Transfer Rumors Become Reality

The announcement is not really news. Rumours linking Trent Alexander-Arnold to Madrid have been a common occurrence in transfer market windows throughout the last few years. However, there was never a ‘here we go’, which means it is now a given that he will move to Real Madrid after failing to extend his contract with Liverpool. 

Madrid’s Full-Back Strategy

For Real Madrid, there was never any question about it: the direction was obvious. In the last few years, Real Madrid has invested little in full-backs, instead filling in every other position. This had been a common criticism of the club’s transfer policy, relying on Dani Carvajal and Lucas Vázquez. 

While neither has been particularly terrible, their lack of excellence in a specific category often cost Madrid matches against low blocks. The club’s most important investment in the position was left-back Ferland Mendy, who did not turn out to be an immense success either.

Why Trent Is Seeking New Challenges

The move to Real Madrid is no shock: Trent is looking for a fresh start. A homegrown Liverpool academy graduate, the right-back has won everything he could at the club. He was a crucial piece to Liverpool’s Champions League title, and also won all the other possible trophies in the Premier League. 

Every player, especially at a young age, needs something to drive them to do better, clear goals in sight. Despite the affection fans have for him, Trent would not be able to achieve much more in England. 

As such, the move is hardly surprising. Arnold is not the first Liverpool player to move to La Liga amid success, as did Philippe Coutinho and Luis Suárez. When Barcelona or Real Madrid calls, it is rare for players to refuse the call, given the magnitude of the two clubs. 

Tactical Challenges Ahead

It is, however, important to remember that a new role must be found for Alexander-Arnold. Until now, he was always the most important creator of the team besides Mohamed Salah. 

He was granted creative freedom by Jürgen Klopp, allowing him to invert whenever he wanted to. This is not something that is likely to happen at Real Madrid – especially with Bellingham, Vinicius and Mbappé on the pitch. 

Dani Carvajal and Federico Valverde have always remained roadrunners across the flank, something Arnold is not suited to do. 

This problem raises the following question: How will he be deployed? Even Mbappé was not granted his favoured role at first, therefore assuming Arnold will have to make concessions in Madrid. 

The Galáctico Dilemma

The other problem is a Gálatico problem.

Although Real Madrid rarely fields nobodies, it has already experienced the downside of going for too many stars. At the moment, Vinicius Jr, Mbappé, and Bellingham are the stars who are undroppable. With Alexander-Arnold, this means another star is thrown in the mix, therefore another player who may fail his defensive duties. 

One of the most important criticisms of his spell at Liverpool was the failure to backtrack. If he does not change that, Real Madrid are likely to be torn apart, with another player refusing to defend. 

Coaching Uncertainty

The other issue with Arnold’s signing is the uncertainty of the coaching staff’s continuity. If Arnold is signed as of now, chances are he was a signing requested by Carlo Ancelotti. He had a specific plan about Trent’s role, which may not be the case with his successor. 

The Italian has been criticized for lacking defensive basics with the team, despite the quality at his disposal.

However, there is no guarantee his successor also wants an inverted right-back. Arnold becomes obsolete the second he is requested to stick to the touchline. Signings like that often end up as a burden for all parties, a scenario Real Madrid should try to avoid.

Learning from the Mbappé Integration

It would be dishonest not to mention one aspect of the previously mentioned criticisms: these are identical to the signing of Mbappé. Many, including the author, worried how Mbappé could coexist with Vinicius Jr’s star status. The beginnings were difficult, but by Christmas, Mbappé embraced his new role with grace, scoring match after match. 

Although few found a rational explanation for it, the system seemed to work out, in spite of the defensive issues. With what seemed a lack of defending principles, Real Madrid kept competing in every competition, proving doubters wrong. 

Potential Benefits for Madrid

This is similar to what could happen with Trent Alexander-Arnold. By the time he arrives, Ancelotti will be able to count on Carvajal’s presence again, meaning the pair could alternate, allowing Arnold time to adapt. A creative profile from the touchline is a much-needed addition, given the struggles to pass through deep blocks in the past. 

Most defences already struggled with the current line-up, and Arnold’s presence only means one more creator will arrive in the team. Overloading defences has been a theme throughout the season for Real Madrid, who are able to squeeze goals in when they seemed on the brink of collapse. 

Pérez’s Vision and What Lies Ahead

The signing of Trent Alexander-Arnold is a statement of Florentino Pérez: his empire will not end anytime soon. Instead, he will keep bringing stars to the Bernabéu, leaving the coach to figure out how the new puzzle piece will fit. 

As Real Madrid have heavily invested in their attack, it is only logical that the backline is being revamped by Pérez. However, the difference in roles between Carvajal and Alexander-Arnold means that it is a huge change for both parties, which may require some time. 

Bellingham was one of the few British players to learn the language quickly enough to assimilate into the squad without any trouble. On the contrary, Gareth Bale never passed the language barrier. Only time can tell in what category Alexander-Arnold will end up in. 

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