Trent Alexander-Arnold played the full match as Real Madrid beat Racing Santander 3-0 on Sunday, yet Spanish media still found fault with the former Liverpool defender, with one outlet telling him to "accept his status" as third-choice right-back or consider a transfer.
Since leaving Anfield for the Bernabeu in the summer of 2025, Alexander-Arnold has struggled. He is yet to score for Real Madrid in 43 appearances and this season has started just four games, registering one assist. With Denzel Dumfries signed in the summer and midfielder Federico Valverde seemingly ahead of him in the right-back pecking order, exit rumours have surfaced despite his contract running until 2031.
Mourinho's faith and the match
Manager Jose Mourinho showed rare faith in the 28-year-old for the trip to Racing Santander, with Valverde injured. Real Madrid won 3-0 thanks to first-half goals from Kylian Mbappe, Jude Bellingham and Yan Diomande.
Mourinho praised the defender after the match, saying: "Trent was really good today. He hasn't played in a while and he comes out and drops a masterclass." Despite keeping a clean sheet and making very few errors, Spanish media still believe Alexander-Arnold is leaving much to be desired.
Mundo Deportivo's verdict
Mundo Deportivo used the Spanish colloquial adjective "fallon" to sum up his performance, meaning faulty or unreliable. The publication wrote: "He proved Mourinho right for preferring Valverde in his position because he was very inaccurate in his ball deliveries from the wing."
The Barcelona-based outlet also criticised the penalty decision that allowed Mbappe to open the scoring, after the Frenchman went down in the 10th minute following slight contact from Racing's Matteo Prati, with referee Munuera Montero awarding the spot-kick. The report said: "Real Madrid, known for its tricks and shady deals, beat Racing with the help of the referee. They took the lead after a non-existent penalty was awarded to Mbappe, allowing them to control the game and secure their sixth consecutive victory between La Liga and the Champions League."
Future questioned on radio
On the Carrusel Deportivo radio show, airing on Cadena SER, a pundit sent a message to the Englishman: "If Trent Alexander-Arnold doesn't accept his status as third-choice right-back and opens the door, a transfer could be considered in the winter."
The same analyst was more positive about the team overall, stating: "This is the Real Madrid that everyone has been waiting for. The team has a grit it didn't have before. Today they got down to business in the first half. In the second half, they eased off because they didn't need to."
La Galerna's assessment
Local outlet La Galerna offered a less bleak evaluation of Alexander-Arnold's display, though it was far from complimentary. A report read: "Okay. It's like those video game characters who can do a lot of damage to the opponent, but when they take even a small hit, they lose a lot of health."
La Galerna also directed criticism at the wider squad for their second-half approach, adding: "The second half was one to forget."
