Xabi Alonso has heaped praise on Real Madrid captain Dani Carvajal, calling him “fundamental” to his plans. The remarks cast doubt on Trent Alexander-Arnold’s role, as the England star has struggled for starts since his summer move from Liverpool.
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CARVAJAL’S COMEBACK SILENCES DOUBTERS
Real Madrid captain Dani Carvajal has made a remarkable return from an anterior cruciate ligament injury, defying expectations that the 33-year-old’s career was on the decline.
After a brief cameo at the Club World Cup earlier this year, Carvajal has slotted back seamlessly into the starting XI. His defensive sharpness, intensity, and leadership have impressed both fans and media, quieting critics who questioned Real Madrid’s decision to extend his contract just hours after he was stretchered off last October.
ALONSO HIGHLIGHTS CARVAJAL’S ‘COMPETITIVE GENE’
Ahead of Real Madrid’s Champions League clash with Marseille, Xabi Alonso underlined Carvajal’s value to the squad, describing his influence as irreplaceable.
“There’s one aspect that hasn’t changed much: the competitive gene he has. Because he came in 2013-14 and he already had it. Since he arrived from Bayer Leverkusen, he was very important, even winning the Champions League. Over the years, that hasn’t changed much, but his personality, maturity, influence, and what it means to be a captain has evolved,” Xabi Alonso told reporters.
Xabi Alonso added that Carvajal’s recovery has lifted the squad:
“Now that he’s fit and ready to play, he has a very important positive influence on the rest. Those leaders we have to keep flourishing within a locker room are fundamental. Carva is one of them.”
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TRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD’S TOUGH START IN MADRID
The praise for Carvajal raises further questions for Trent Alexander-Arnold, who has started only two of Real Madrid’s four La Liga games so far. The former Liverpool right-back featured for just eight minutes against Real Sociedad last weekend, as Xabi Alonso leaned on Carvajal once again.
Although Alonso described the battle for the right-back position as “healthy competition,” his comments suggest Carvajal will remain first choice for now. Any hopes of Trent immediately replacing the Spanish veteran appear to have been shelved, especially given Carvajal’s status as captain and former Ballon d’Or contender.
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WHAT’S NEXT FOR REAL MADRID?
Real Madrid begin their push for a record 16th European crown on Tuesday night when they host Roberto De Zerbi’s Marseille at the Santiago Bernabeu. They will then return to La Liga action against Espanyol on Saturday as they aim to extend their perfect league start to five wins.
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