Footage on social media has suggested that Trent Alexander-Arnold has been targeted by Dani Carvajal for a jibe during Real Madrid's 1-1 draw with Real Betis. The England defender, who made a controversial move from Liverpool to Los Blancos in the summer, is facing fresh scrutiny after reports that the Spain veteran poked fun at his tracking back.
Carvajal's Gesture Sparks Speculation
In the clip, Carvajal, 34, can be seen making a walking gesture with his fingers on his leg while watching from the bench. The suggestion emerging on social media is that it was aimed at Alexander-Arnold's defensive transition during opposition counter-attacks. The footage shows Carvajal looking over, exchanging words, sporting a bemused expression, pointing to the pitch before mimicking the walking motion. The clip then switches to match action, highlighting Alexander-Arnold as he loses a duel before Betis makes three passes and runs down the right channel.
Alexander-Arnold has been preferred by caretaker manager Alvaro Arbeloa in each of the last five matches. However, should the murmurs be correct, it would suggest a rift bubbling at the Spanish giants.
Arbeloa Denies Rift
Arbeloa was forced to deny a rift with Carvajal after last starting the 34-year-old in the 3-2 win over Atletico Madrid at the end of March. He said: "You can see, since I've been here, what my answers have been about him, and you can ask my players how I speak about Dani Carvajal with the group. People are trying to put an unjustified, unfair spin on this. He's more than ready to go to the World Cup. He's started games for us, and he's done well. He's a fundamental player, on and off the pitch, and for the national team it should be the same."
Arbeloa added: "He might be the most important academy product in the history of the club. I've always had a great relationship with him. It's hard for me to believe any coach would pick a team for non-sporting reasons."
Speaking about Alexander-Arnold, Arbeloa said: "Trent Alexander-Arnold is showing a great level. His performance is beyond doubt. Right now he deserves to play, and when he hasn't played, Carvajal has done well. I'm not a coach to gift a minute to anyone."
Madrid's Title Hopes Fading
Madrid saw their hopes of reducing the deficit to Barcelona in the title race shattered when former Arsenal defender Hector Bellerin smashed in a 94th-minute equaliser. It leaves the Spanish giants 11 points off the pace after Marcus Rashford's effort rubber-stamped a crucial 2-0 win at Getafe to extend the advantage. Having been dumped out of the Champions League by Bayern Munich and the Copa del Rey by second division side Albacete, Madrid's hopes of silverware are fading.
Alexander-Arnold's Challenging Debut Season
From a personal standpoint for the former Liverpool star, it has been a chastening debut campaign in the Spanish capital. After a difficult start, impacted by injury, he has worked his way back into the Los Blancos first-team. However, with the World Cup on the horizon and previously omitted from Thomas Tuchel's pre-tournament squad, he faces an uphill challenge to play his way into the German head coach's plans.
