After a saga that stretched on for months, Trent Alexander-Arnold finally made his Real Madrid debut on Wednesday evening during Los Blancos’ opening game of the FIFA Club World Cup against Al Hilal. In what was also Xabi Alonso’s first match as Madrid boss, the Spaniards faced the Saudi Pro League side under the Miami sun and Alexander-Arnold finally got to represent the club.

He stepped out onto the turf, with Trent displayed across the back of his shirt, and began his career with the biggest football team on the planet. There were many, many eyes watching him closely. Some were routing for him, others were desperate to see him fail. His debut only lasted just over an hour, but that was still more than enough time to give fans plenty to talk about and that they most certainly did on social media.

Fans Criticised Trent’s Debut

He struggled in his first Madrid game

Trent Alexander-Arnold

With so many interested in how Alexander-Arnold’s Madrid career started, the pressure may have gotten to the star. He didn’t have the brightest of debuts for Alonso’s side and the defensive issues that have largely plagued his career so far, were on full display again early. The full-back lost possession on 12 occasions, won just one of his four ground duels and connected with just one of his five crosses. It wasn’t the start he’ll have wanted and he was brought off just after the hour mark.

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Fans wasted no time having their say too. One took to X (Twitter) and said: “First impressions of Trent in Real Madrid shirt… off the ball needs a lot of work. His inverted runs mean Rodrygo is essentially having to play RWB to give the team ‘deep width’ in build up. Not tracking back quick enough either and causing holes in the backline,” while another highlighted his struggles in the first half in particular, posting: “Trent lost more duels than any other player in the first half of Real Madrid vs. Al-Hilal… Not the best debut so far.”

Others weren’t quite as reserved. One stated: “Trent was a free transfer and Madrid still got robbed,” while another said: “I see what Liverpool fans are saying about Trent’s defending in literally the first 5 mins!”

A fifth supporter shared their concerns about his future at the club following his debut, posting: “Can’t see Trent lasting long at Madrid.”