From promise to pressure – Real Madrid summer signing battling early doubts with veteran ready to reclaim role

Real Madrid fans had their first proper glimpse of Trent Alexander-Arnold in La Liga action during the narrow 1-0 win over Osasuna at the Santiago Bernabeu.

What was supposed to be a promising debut turned into a subdued performance that left supporters asking whether the Englishman is really cut out for the demands of Spanish football.

Although this was not his first game for the club, having already featured under Xabi Alonso in the FIFA Club World Cup, the atmosphere of a La Liga debut at the Bernabeu carries a very different weight.

And against Osasuna, it became clear that Alexander-Arnold still has a lot of adjusting to do before he feels at home in Madrid.

Far from convincing
From the first whistle, the right-back seemed tentative. He did not display the confidence and flair that made him one of Liverpool’s most exciting players.

Instead of flying down the wing and firing those trademark crosses into the box, he looked cautious and hesitant.