Liverpool fans have, perhaps reluctantly, been keeping a close eye on the progress of Trent Alexander-Arnold at Real Madrid.
It is now almost 12 months since the academy star packed his bags and headed for the Spanish capital, but it has not been the seamless integration he would have hoped for.
Injuries have not helped his cause, but few would argue that Alexander-Arnold has hit the level expected of him since leaving Anfield. Despite that, Real Madrid still appear to view the Liverpool academy product as a major part of their plans going forward.
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Real Madrid consider Trent Alexander-Arnold a ‘definite keep’ despite post-Liverpool struggles
The Bernabeu has turned into a circus in recent weeks. The low point came on Sunday night, when Real Madrid lost to Barcelona at Camp Nou and watched their rivals seal the La Liga title in front of them.
There have been reports of dressing-room fights, coaching issues under Xabi Alonso and now fellow former Red Alvaro Arbeloa, and even a petition calling for Kylian Mbappe to leave Madrid gaining tens of millions of signatures.
All of that matters when assessing Alexander-Arnold’s first season at Madrid. He has walked into one of the most intense environments in world football during one of its most turbulent recent periods.
Perhaps that is why Los Blancos are not ready to make a snap judgment on him.
According to AS, Real Madrid are preparing urgent changes after a poor season, with defensive reinforcements now a priority. However, Alexander-Arnold is one of four players currently viewed as ‘definite keeps’ in that area of the squad.
The others are Antonio Rudiger, Dean Huijsen and Alvaro Carreras.
Real Madrid clearly know Alexander-Arnold has not produced his Liverpool best yet. But they also know why they signed him in the first place. At his peak, he is one of the most creative players in the game. He can build attacks and give Madrid passing from deep that very few defenders can offer.
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Liverpool supporters may not have much sympathy for him after the way his exit played out, but Alexander-Arnold still has time to make this move work. Madrid’s decision suggests they believe there is far more to come.
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