Trent Alexander-Arnold has sent a message by posting a new training clip, signalling his intent to bounce back from a string of career lows. It has been a gruelling 12 months for the 27-year-old right-back since he left his boyhood club, Liverpool, to join Real Madrid.
Sidelined by a dip in form and two different injuries, the defender was limited to only 30 appearances across all competitions last season, frequently finding himself on the substitutes' bench. His disappointing first campaign in La Liga ultimately cost him dearly, resulting in a stunning omission from Thomas Tuchel's 26-man England World Cup squad.
Real Madrid Future Under Mourinho
Even with Dani Carvajal leaving, Alexander-Arnold's role in the Real Madrid starting eleven looks increasingly vulnerable under newly appointed manager Jose Mourinho. The Portuguese tactician famously prioritises defensive discipline—an area where the Englishman has historically struggled—and has already reinforced the squad by recruiting Denzel Dumfries to compete for the right-back spot.
However, the Liverpudlian right-back seems intent on silencing his critics, having posted a montage on his Instagram account showcasing his individual ball work and intensive summer training. He rounded off the footage with the caption: "Summer done."
Fall from Grace
Having been widely regarded as one of the finest right-backs on the planet during his time at Anfield, Alexander-Arnold will be determined to prove a point to Mourinho in particular. He joined up with his Los Blancos team-mates today as official pre-season training commenced under the new head coach.
The defender's remarkable fall from grace is perhaps best illustrated by his exclusion from England's World Cup squad. He was overlooked in favour of Reece James and Tino Livramento ahead of the tournament. Even more surprisingly, centre-half Trevoh Chalobah was selected as cover ahead of him once Livramento's injury ruled him out of the World Cup.
England's Right-Back Crisis
The position has proved a constant headache for Tuchel, and it will only further fuel Alexander-Arnold's determination. First-choice James sustained an injury during the group stages that sidelined him for several matches. Jarell Quansah stepped in, but the former Reds star still has one more game to serve of his two-match suspension following a straight red card against Mexico, having already sat out the quarter-final victory over Norway. Ezri Konsa, Declan Rice and Djed Spence have all featured at right-back as well, but nobody has managed to establish themselves in the role.
England face Argentina next in a huge World Cup semi-final clash this Wednesday evening. Alexander-Arnold will undoubtedly be watching closely, deeply frustrated that he isn't there to help the Three Lions in their quest to lift the trophy.
