Trent Alexander-Arnold's difficulties at Real Madrid continued as the defender was an unused substitute for most of the 1-0 defeat to Real Betis, prompting fresh criticism from Liverpool fans on social media.
The former Liverpool right-back was introduced in the 64th minute for summer signing Denzel Dumfries, but the loss marked Real Madrid's first of the season. Before the match, Alexander-Arnold shared a conversation with ex-Liverpool team-mate Adrian, a moment that sparked mixed reactions among Reds supporters.
Fan backlash after reunion with Adrian
While fans were pleased to see Adrian, many used the occasion to criticise Alexander-Arnold's move to the Spanish club. One fan wrote: "Trent Alexander-Arnold’s downfall needs to be studied. He was adored by Liverpool fans only to end up on the Madrid bench." Another added: "One left as a Liverpool legend. The other one is Trent Alexander-Arnold."
A more sympathetic supporter said: "Feel sorry for our boy Trent Alexander Arnold, Real Madrid is about to destroy his career," while a fourth replied: "I don't know about you, but for me, Trent Alexander-Arnold isn't a player for Real Madrid."
Struggles for regular minutes
Alexander-Arnold has started only one of Real Madrid's four La Liga matches this season, contributing an assist in the 4-0 win over Malaga. Last season, he made just 21 appearances in La Liga, with injuries and poor form disrupting his rhythm.
His prospects appeared further complicated when Jose Mourinho signed Inter Milan right-back Denzel Dumfries this summer. However, Mourinho has regularly substituted the pair, and recent reports from Spain suggested the coach had been "impressed" by Alexander-Arnold, who missed out on a place in Thomas Tuchel's England squad for the World Cup.
Alexander-Arnold reflects on Anfield exit
Speaking about his departure from Liverpool this summer, Alexander-Arnold said: "The booing and disappointment from Liverpool supporters is something I'm absolutely able to shoulder. I can understand it, in my own way. But I hope one day there'll be a degree of understanding about the decisions I wanted to make around my own life. It hurts because of how much I've put into the club over the course of 20 years and the sacrifices I made for the club during that period."
The defeat to Real Betis leaves Real Madrid responding to their first loss of the campaign, with Alexander-Arnold's role under Mourinho still uncertain.
