Overview
- Xabi Alonso said Trent Alexander-Arnold was ready, yet he started Federico Valverde at right-back against Rayo Vallecano before introducing Alexander-Arnold in the 83rd minute after Valverde was injured.
- Real Madrid dropped points in the draw at Vallecas and had led La Liga beforehand, with Alonso sticking to minimal changes during a strong start to the season.
- Alexander-Arnold has logged just 169 minutes this campaign with only two league starts, including a nine-minute Champions League cameo on his Anfield return.
- The former Liverpool defender was heavily booed at Anfield, with home supporters cheering his errors during Real Madrid’s defeat.
- He left Liverpool on a free transfer in the summer, with a reported £10m paid to enable Club World Cup eligibility, and he currently sits behind Valverde in the right-back pecking order.