Problems Emerge for Trent Alexander-Arnold: “Carvajal Will Eat Him Alive”

Real Madrid’s summer transfer window of 2025 was one of the boldest in recent memory, as the club sought to reinforce its squad with a mix of youth and proven talent. Among the headline arrivals was Trent Alexander-Arnold, the English full-back brought in from Liverpool with great expectations. Madridistas hoped his vision, creativity, and pinpoint crossing would elevate Xabi Alonso’s new tactical project. But just weeks into the season, concerns are growing about whether he can adapt to the realities of Spanish football.

A Struggling Transition

Alexander-Arnold’s adjustment to life in La Liga has not gone smoothly. At Liverpool, he thrived in Jürgen Klopp’s system, where his attacking instincts and passing range made him one of the most influential right-backs in world football. However, in Madrid, Alonso demands more balance, particularly defensive discipline — a side of the game where the Englishman has often been questioned. This change in expectations has made his transition far more complicated than anticipated.

Carvajal’s Timely Return

Adding to the challenge is the resurgence of Dani Carvajal. Returning from injury, the veteran right-back has reasserted himself with strong performances reminiscent of his prime years. Known for his consistency and reliability, Carvajal has once again reminded Madrid why he has been the cornerstone of the club’s defense for over a decade. His form has immediately put Alexander-Arnold under pressure, with many pundits now wondering if the newcomer can displace him at all.

Warnings From Within Spain

The Spanish media has not held back in its assessment of the situation. Cadena SER issued a blunt warning, claiming that if Alexander-Arnold does not improve quickly, “Carvajal will eat him alive.” Former Real Madrid midfielder and current analyst Álvaro Benito echoed the sentiment, suggesting that Trent has little time to prove his worth. “Carvajal is really something. If Trent doesn’t get in shape within a month, he’ll surpass him,” Benito remarked. Such commentary has only intensified scrutiny around the Englishman’s every move.

The Weight of Expectations

Pressure also stems from the financial and symbolic weight of Alexander-Arnold’s transfer. He was among Madrid’s most expensive signings of the summer, arriving with one of the highest wages in the squad. While other new recruits such as Dean Huijsen, Pablo Carreras, and Claudio Echeverri Mastantuono have quickly integrated into Alonso’s system, Trent has struggled to find the same rhythm. For many fans, the disparity between his reputation and current performances is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore.

Carvajal’s Legacy and Relentlessness

To complicate matters further, Carvajal is not just another squad member — he is a club legend. For more than ten years, he has embodied Madridismo, delivering defensive solidity and stepping up in Europe’s biggest matches. Even with recurring injuries in recent seasons, his resilience and professionalism have never been questioned. Now, fully fit and motivated, he looks determined to remind everyone that he is not ready to hand over his position without a fight.

Alonso’s Balancing Act

For head coach Xabi Alonso, this situation presents both a tactical and political challenge. On one hand, the club’s investment in Alexander-Arnold obliges him to create conditions for the Englishman to succeed. On the other, Alonso cannot ignore Carvajal’s performances and influence in the dressing room. Managing this competition will be crucial, especially with Madrid chasing trophies on multiple fronts this season.

The Danger of Being Overshadowed

At the moment, the mood around Valdebebas suggests that Carvajal holds the upper hand. His sharpness, defensive reliability, and leadership have tilted the balance in his favor. Unless Alexander-Arnold can significantly raise his level, he risks being reduced to a rotation option — a devastating outcome for a player expected to become a marquee figure in Madrid’s next cycle of dominance.

A Test of Character

Yet, this situation also represents an opportunity for Alexander-Arnold to silence critics and prove his adaptability. Few players arrive at Real Madrid without facing immense pressure. For Trent, this could be the defining chapter of his career — whether he rises to the challenge or fades under the shadow of a veteran who refuses to relinquish his throne.

Looking Ahead

The coming weeks will be decisive. Alonso’s selections in high-profile matches, particularly in La Liga and the Champions League, will reveal how he intends to handle the right-back dilemma. If Alexander-Arnold can adapt defensively while maintaining his creative edge, he may still carve out a place in Madrid’s plans. If not, Carvajal’s relentless competitiveness may ensure the Englishman remains on the fringes, watching from the bench as his rival continues to thrive.

What is certain is that the battle for the right-back position at Real Madrid has become one of the most intriguing storylines of the new season. For Trent Alexander-Arnold, the challenge is clear: prove that he can meet the demands of Spanish football — or risk being consumed by the legend of Dani Carvajal.