Trent Alexander-Arnold, the former Liverpool star, received a standing ovation from Real Madrid fans during his La Liga debut, but the applause was not for him.
The 26-year-old ended his 20-year stint with the Reds last season before his contract was set to expire at the end of June. Real Madrid shelled out £10million to the Reds to secure his early release, enabling him to play for the Spanish side in the Club World Cup held across the United States.
Alexander-Arnold played in several matches but missed Real’s 4-0 semi-final loss to PSG in New Jersey due to injury. The England international made his first start in La Liga in Tuesday’s 1-0 victory over Osasuna.
He was replaced in the 68th minute as the entire Santiago Bernabeu stood up to welcome Dani Carvajal, who was making his first appearance for Los Blancos in nearly a year after recovering from an ACL injury.
The former Reds defender took to Instagram after the match to share a message, writing: “Incredible sensation to play in my new home. Excellent way to begin the season with a victory.”
A series of photos was included in the post. With Carvajal back in action, Alexander-Arnold will now face increased competition for a starting position.
Before the match, pundit Javier Herraez suggested that the Englishman is ‘nowhere near’ the level he displayed during his time at Anfield.
“I’m waiting for Trent,” he told Cadena SER. “He’s come to play, but I don’t see him in good shape. I’ve always liked watching the Premier League, watching this player. He’s better going forward than in defence, that’s more than obvious.
“He’s more of a wing player in a three-man defence than in a four-man defence. That’s where it’s hard for him to get deep. Trent has a month to get sharp, because if he doesn’t, Carvajal will eat him alive.
“But come on, it’s a piece of cake. That’s what I think based on what I saw at the Club World Cup and the friendly. Trent is nowhere near the Liverpool player. Maybe it’s preseason, but I haven’t seen him well.”