The Santiago Bernabéu has always been a stage for grand reappearances, but few have carried as much weight as Trent Alexander-Arnold’s 15-minute cameo against Valencia last weekend. A
fter a debut season in Real Madrid haunted by the treatment table rather than highlighted by his trademark crosses, the Englishman is finally back.
His return doesn’t just provide depth; it potentially solves the tactical puzzle currently facing Alvaro Arbeloa.
Since his high-profile move from Liverpool in June 2025, Alexander-Arnold has been a peripheral figure, limited to just 17 appearances.
Two separate muscle injuries and the departure of Xabi Alonso—the man who brought him to the Spanish capital—left the 27-year-old in a state of sporting limbo.
However, with the Champions League knockout stages looming and a trip to Benfica on the horizon, the timing of his fitness couldn’t be more precise.
Why Trent’s Return Could Define Arbeloa’s Era?
The tactical landscape at Valdebebas has shifted in Trent’s favor. With Jude Bellingham sidelined, Federico Valverde has been redeployed into the engine room, leaving a vacancy on the right flank.
While the legendary Dani Carvajal remains a squad pillar, his lack of minutes under Arbeloa and a looming contract expiry suggest a changing of the guard is imminent.
Arbeloa, a man who knows the demands of the Madrid right-back role better than most, has been vocal about his cautious approach. “We want him to find his rhythm, his best playing form,” the head coach noted, effectively silencing rumors that the England international wasn’t part of his long-term project.
For Trent, the challenge is now two-fold: cementing his place in the Madrid starting XI and catching the eye of Thomas Tuchel.
Despite his immense talent, Alexander-Arnold’s World Cup aspirations with England remain on life support.
Having missed recent call-ups due to his injury woes, he faces a race against time to displace the likes of Reece James and Tino Livramento.
Yet, as the “Madridistas” took to social media to praise his “prime performance” against Valencia, one thing is clear: if he can stay fit, he isn’t just a backup option—he is the spark Real Madrid has been missing.
