Alexander Arnold was one of the main protagonists at the beginning of the summer transfer window when Real Madrid decided to secure his services from Liverpool. His arrival, just days before the Club World Cup, generated excitement, debate, and also a high level of expectation, as he was a proven player in European football.
The English full-back made his debut in the white shirt at the international event, where Xabi Alonso gave him playing time to start adapting to the system. However, the first impressions were not the best. Alexander Arnold seemed uncomfortable, struggled to maintain defensive pace, and lacked the offensive impact he had shown for years in the Premier League.
Alexander Arnold has not started in the best way at Real Madrid
Real Madrid always scrutinizes any new signing, especially a player arriving with a star label. His initial performances in the Club World Cup raised doubts among the fans, who expected an immediate impact from a player accustomed to competing at the elite level.
The start in LaLiga also did not help Alexander Arnold dispel criticism. In the first match, played at the Santiago Bernabéu, his performance was once again questioned. He showed insecurity in defense, left spaces that the opponent exploited, and in attack, he could hardly display his quality in lateral crosses.

The reality is that Real Madrid made a strong bet on a different profile at right-back. Alexander Arnold arrived as a player with the talent to create plays, a specialist in striking and offensive vision, but Spanish football also demands defensive rigor that, for now, he is struggling to show.
The coaching staff is aware that adaptation is not always immediate. Xabi Alonso maintains confidence in Alexander Arnold, convinced that with time and effort, he will become a key player. The issue is that the Real Madrid environment usually does not give much leeway, and criticisms are starting to weigh on the player's morale.
Alexander Arnold's time at Liverpool had established him as one of the most highly regarded full-backs in the world. His ability to deliver precise balls and his involvement in building play were his main virtues. However, at Real Madrid, he has not yet found the formula to consistently showcase those qualities.
In the locker room, his teammates support the Englishman, knowing that the early matches do not define the season's outcome. Alexander Arnold is 26 years old and is in a peak physical condition, suggesting that he may soon reverse the situation and deliver what is expected of him.
Meanwhile, the fans await clear signs of improvement. The Santiago Bernabéu is a demanding stadium that does not usually forgive underwhelming performances. Alexander Arnold must show character and composure if he wants to earn a place in Real Madrid's history.
With a busy schedule of matches in La Liga and the Champions League, the Englishman will have opportunities to prove his worth. Alexander Arnold's mission is to settle in the system and become the distinctive full-back that Real Madrid greatly needs.
This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, El jugador del Real Madrid que ha decepcionado a todos en sus primeros partidos de blanco