Alexander-Arnold Benched as Alonso Prioritizes Tactical Fit Over Reputation

Real Madrid’s new signing starts on the sidelines against Oviedo, as manager Xabi Alonso declares “no one is guaranteed a starting spot.”

Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso has indicated that no player is assured a automatic starting position, following his surprising decision to leave new signing Trent Alexander-Arnold on the bench for the team’s 2-0 victory over Real Oviedo.

The English defender, who joined from Liverpool this summer, was an unused substitute until the 87th minute, with veteran Spaniard Dani Carvajal preferred at right-back from the start.

When pressed on the choice after the match, Alonso explained his philosophy, focusing on the needs of the team rather than any individual. “It depends on what we need in terms of the game, the workload and the opposition,” he stated.

The coach made it clear this approach is here to stay. “I haven’t made a decision for the next month. I’m going to see how we recover and to make sure that people feel important and ready to start, come off the bench or be able to be in the next game. We have twenty-odd players in the squad and I’m going to try to get the best out of all of them.”

While not mentioning Alexander-Arnold by name, Alonso instead heaped praise on Carvajal’s performance, suggesting the 32-year-old’s resurgence could even put him in contention for a recall to the Spanish national team ahead of next summer’s World Cup.

“I’m very happy that he’s regaining his confidence after such a long injury,” Alonso said of Carvajal. “Today he played 85 minutes very much in the Carvajal style. Competing well, communicating and taking that leadership role.”

See also  Uncertain Future for Mourinho at AS Roma Hinges on Cagliari Showdown

The message from the Santiago Bernabéu is one of collective effort. With two wins from their opening two Liga matches, Alonso’s side next travels to face Mallorca as they look to maintain their perfect start to the season.

Similar Posts:

7 Comments on “Alexander-Arnold Benched as Alonso Prioritizes Tactical Fit Over Reputation”

  1. Just wish to say your article is as surprising The clearness in your post is just cool and i could assume youre an expert on this subject Fine with your permission allow me to grab your RSS feed to keep updated with forthcoming post Thanks a million and please keep up the enjoyable work

  2. Just wish to say your article is as surprising The clearness in your post is just cool and i could assume youre an expert on this subject Fine with your permission allow me to grab your RSS feed to keep updated with forthcoming post Thanks a million and please keep up the enjoyable work

Leave a Reply