Trent Alexander-Arnold's highly anticipated debut for Real Madrid in the Club World Cup against Al-Hilal didn't exactly go as planned, with the Spanish giants held to a disappointing 1-1 draw. The match, which also marked Xabi Alonso's first game in charge, saw the Saudi Arabian side steal the spotlight, leaving Alexander-Arnold facing scrutiny for his performance.

The former Liverpool player, who made an early move to Real Madrid to participate in the competition, started the game but was substituted after 65 minutes. While the excitement surrounding his arrival was palpable, Alexander-Arnold struggled to make a significant impact on the match. Some observers noted that he didn't particularly catch the eye and had an underwhelming start to his Real Madrid career.

Al-Hilal, proving to be a tough opponent, applied pressure on Madrid's right flank, specifically targeting Alexander-Arnold. Questions were raised about his defensive capabilities, with one instance seeing him head the ball directly to Salem Al-Dawsari, leading to a dangerous attack. Although Al-Hilal's initial goal was ruled offside, they continued to challenge Madrid's defense.

Real Madrid took the lead in the first half through a goal from Gonzalo Garcia, assisted by Rodrygo. However, their lead was short-lived, as Al-Hilal equalized from a penalty spot after Raul Asencio conceded a needless foul. Ruben Neves converted the penalty, leveling the score before halftime.

In the second half, Real Madrid showed more attacking intent, with Arda Guler nearly scoring with a volley that hit the bar. Despite their efforts, they couldn't find a breakthrough. A late penalty awarded to Real Madrid after a foul on Fran Garcia offered a golden opportunity to secure a win, but Federico Valverde's shot was saved by Al-Hilal's goalkeeper, Bono.

The draw was a disappointing start for Xabi Alonso's tenure as Real Madrid coach. While there were some positive aspects, such as Dean Huijsen's assured debut and Rodrygo's improved performance, the team's overall performance fell short of expectations.

Alexander-Arnold's debut, in particular, drew criticism, with some rating his performance as underwhelming. He struggled to make an impact both defensively and offensively before being substituted. Real Madrid fans have also shared their opinions on Alexander-Arnold's debut, adding to the scrutiny surrounding his performance.

Al-Hilal, on the other hand, demonstrated their competitiveness and secured a valuable point against the European powerhouse. Their performance showcased their ambition and determination to make a mark in the Club World Cup.