Alexander-Arnold is marginalised in Madrid but may not need a cult of Trent

On the bench in Madrid and out of the England squad, the full-back has no one to fight his corner – so will have to do it himself.

Real Madrid's Trent Alexander-Arnold during the UEFA Champions League, league stage match at Anfield. Pic: Peter Byrne/PA Wire.

“He chose to start from zero. To keep showing up, day by day. It was about respect, courage and a genuine desire to belong. What I saw was a person growing beyond himself. In football, words can build trust, connection, identity. That is what true professionalism really looks like.” 

Well, at least someone is pleased with Trent Alexander-Arnold’s progress at Real Madrid. Unfortunately, it happens to be Sara Duque, his language teacher.