Trent Alexander-Arnold's debut for Real Madrid has been a major talking point in the football world. After his high-profile transfer from Liverpool, the English international finally donned the famous white jersey in their Club World Cup opener against Al Hilal. The match, which also marked Xabi Alonso's debut as the new Real Madrid manager, ended in a frustrating 1-1 draw, but Alexander-Arnold's performance was heavily scrutinized.

Despite the stalemate, Alexander-Arnold expressed his delight at making his debut for the Spanish giants. Speaking to DAZN after the game, he described the experience as "an incredible day." He added, "To have made a debut for Real Madrid is something, I think, almost every player dreams of, so to be able to achieve it is huge for me." Despite the personal milestone, Alexander-Arnold also conveyed his disappointment at not securing a victory, highlighting the winning mentality expected at Real Madrid. He acknowledged the positives from the second half and thanked the Madrid fans for their incredible support, which he said he felt from the moment he signed with the club.

However, the reviews of his on-field performance have been mixed. While some fans were eager to see him shine, others were critical, pointing out familiar defensive struggles from his time at Liverpool. Some statistics highlighted challenges, such as losing possession 12 times and winning only one out of four ground duels. There were also concerns about his crosses, with only one of five attempts finding their target. These issues led to some fans expressing concern about his adaptation to Madrid's demanding environment. One fan noted his need for improvement off the ball, while another highlighted instances where he was caught out of position, leading to gaps in the backline.

Despite the criticisms, there were also glimpses of Alexander-Arnold's renowned passing range and attacking capabilities. One instance saw him set up a counter-attack with a precise pass, leading to a goal. However, Al Hilal capitalized on a defensive mistake by Alexander-Arnold early in the game, although the resulting goal was ruled offside. Liverpool fans online were quick to react, with some suggesting that Real Madrid had gotten a "taste" of the defending they could expect from him.

Alexander-Arnold's arrival at Real Madrid has been highly anticipated, with the club unveiling him on June 12th. He signed a six-year deal and was assigned the number 12 jersey. His move to Madrid signifies a new chapter in his career, joining fellow England star Jude Bellingham as part of Real Madrid's rebuilding efforts. The initial excitement surrounding his debut underscores the high expectations placed upon him as he embarks on this new journey.