Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has described Trent Alexander-Arnold as a 'nightmare' to face in training after the former Liverpool star registered his first assist for the club. Alexander-Arnold set up Gonzalo Garcia's winner with an excellent cross in Real Madrid's 1-0 Club World Cup victory over Juventus on Tuesday.
Courtois praised Alexander-Arnold's passing ability, saying: 'In training he's horrible, his kicking is amazing. His free-kicks, his corner kicks are really on another level. I don't think I saw some guy with his quality of kicking and crossing so as a goalkeeper sometimes it's a nightmare.'
Real Madrid boss Xabi Alonso also hailed the England international, describing him as an 'amazing player' who needs time to adapt. 'Crossing is his trademark; he's done 500 of those,' Alonso said. 'He comes to Madrid to compete; he's barely trained. Everything takes time.'
Dani Carvajal, now back from a serious knee injury and competing for the right-back spot, welcomed the healthy competition. He said Alexander-Arnold has 'adapted phenomenally well' and is 'very, very good lad'. Carvajal added: 'I love to compete. I hope that healthy competition can make the team even better.'
