Fading Liverpool glory is not enough to keep Trent Alexander-Arnold in the good graces of Xabi Alonso and Madridistas; the England international needs to finally live up to the expectations of the new badge on his chest at a moment of uncertainty for Real Madrid.
Talk of a crisis is second nature in the Spanish capital. Two poor results in a row? Real Madrid are in crisis. Too many bodies in the infirmary? Real Madrid are in crisis. A summer signing has failed to live up to the hype? Real Madrid are in crisis.
The cycle repeats itself each and every season, no matter where Los Blancos sit in the La Liga standings. Even if a campaign ends in silverware, the narrative is skewed by what crisis the club had to overcome to reach such heights.
Adapting to the pressure and expectations that come with playing at the biggest club in the world is instantaneous for some—just look at Jude Bellingham’s debut campaign. For others, like Alexander-Arnold, the transition takes a bit more time.
Yet time is something that Madridistas rarely allot superstar signings, especially ones of the fullback’s quality. Once you throw in growing injury woes—yes, another crisis—any leeway previously afforded is ripped away.
