The one flaw in Trent Alexander-Arnold that could expose Real Madrid against big teams | OneFootball

Real Madrid’s signing of Trent Alexander-Arnold from Liverpool is already making waves in football. This transfer feels smart and timely, especially with Xabi Alonso now in charge of the team.

The former Bayer Leverkusen boss is known for using full-backs in a very attacking style, unlike Carlo Ancelotti who focused more on defensive discipline. That change in strategy makes Alexander-Arnold the perfect fit.

Building on his strength

His strengths are clear. Alexander-Arnold sees the game a few steps ahead of most players and has a gift for long-range passing. These are not just qualities you notice once or twice, they are part of his regular game.

Real Madrid made this very clear in the video they used to introduce him, even highlighting his famous corner kick against Barcelona in 2019, which led to a goal that helped Liverpool knock out the Spanish giants from the Champions League.

Trent Alexander-Arnold will be an attacking asset for Real Madrid. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images)

Now that Luka Modric will leave after the Club World Cup, Real Madrid need someone reliable for corners and free kicks. Alexander-Arnold can help fill that gap, alongside young star Arda Guler, who also has great skill in dead-ball situations.

But Alexander-Arnold offers more than just a good delivery. He is creative and can find passes that others simply do not see.

Simply put, since 2016, he has provided 64 assists, which is more than any other defender in that time. That stat alone shows just how much he contributes in attack.

Other side of TAA that could bring trouble

However, there is another side to his game that needs attention. Alexander-Arnold sometimes struggles when facing quick, skillful wingers.

His toughest match came in February 2025, when Manchester City’s Jeremy Doku dribbled past him 12 times in a single game. That was not only a tough night for him, but it also broke a Premier League record.

Furthermore, this has been a consistent weakness. In fact, he was one of the most dribbled-past defenders in the Premier League last season, tied with Joao Gomes and Elliot Anderson.

This points to how fast-paced and intense the English league is, but it is also a warning for how he might cope in La Liga’s big matches.

Looking ahead, his real test might come against young talents like Lamine Yamal, who leads Europe in dribbles per game with 4.6. Compare that to Doku’s 3.7 and it is clear that Alexander-Arnold will need to improve defensively.

Right now, he allows 1.9 successful dribbles per game. For context, Dani Carvajal, who will be his main competition for a starting spot, allows just 0.9.

Other top right-backs like Hakimi (1.1) and Reece James (1.0) are also doing better on the defensive side.

Still, Alonso has options. If Alexander-Arnold continues to shine in attack but struggles in defence, Real Madrid might need to protect him with an extra midfielder or a tactical shift.

While, his powerful long-range shots and incredible passing range are too good to waste, in big matches, the defensive gaps could be risky.