Gary Neville Explains How Trent Alexander-Arnold May Struggle At Real Madrid
Gary Neville has suggested that two Real Madrid players will cause Trent Alexander-Arnold a serious problem if he joins Real Madrid this summer.
News emerged on Wednesday suggesting that Real Madrid is now very close to securing a free transfer of Alexander-Arnold from Liverpool, with the Englishman giving the Spanish side the green light.
MORE: With 66 Not Allowed, What Shirt Number Could Trent Alexander-Arnold Wear At Real Madrid?
Whilst Alexander-Arnold is known for his incredible passing range and ability to create chances from set-pieces, his defensive prowess has been questioned repeatedly in recent years.
Discussing this on Sky Sports' The Overlap, Neville said that Alexander-Arnold will need to improve on that part of his game.
I said that I thought he [Trent Alexander-Arnold] had to get more serious about his defending – I’ve said that constantly – or else it will cause him problems.Gary Neville
“You don’t live in Liverpool, you don’t know Liverpool!” 😠
— The Overlap (@WeAreTheOverlap) March 27, 2025
Strap in for the latest round of Gary 🆚 Carra… this time we're talking Trent Alexander-Arnold! 👀 pic.twitter.com/N5aF9AIPrR
The former Manchester United right-back then went on to say that the quality of other players in Real Madrid's squad who can play at right-back means that Alexander-Arnold is less assured of his place in the team than he is at Liverpool.
I think it will cause him a problem at Real Madrid because they have Federico Valverde, who is playing right-back currently, and Dani Carvajal when he’s back – he’s going to have some serious competition. They are brilliant players, and he’s going to find it tough there.Gary Neville
Reminder: Trent Alexander-Arnold has won every trophy possible at club level. pic.twitter.com/EFZFhOfv1Z
— ESPN UK (@ESPNUK) March 25, 2025
When quizzed on whether Alexander-Arnold is better than Carvajal and Valverde at right-back, he admitted that Carvajal is currently the more complete option.
I think Carvajal, from a balance of going forward and back – the problem is that he’s 32 and has had a bad injury – but for me, Carvajal is a better full-back than Trent because of what he gives to the team. It’s unbelievable what Valverde is doing for them at the moment, so he’s going to have competition when he goes.Gary Neville
The Latest Real Madrid News
Real Madrid's Summer Shopping List Includes Premier League Talent & EURO 2024 Star
Why Trent Alexander-Arnold Wants to Leave Liverpool for Real Madrid
Brazil Reportedly Reopen Talks With Carlo Ancelotti To Be National Team Manager
Chelsea Ready To Battle Real Madrid For Premier League Defender
Man City Meets With Father Of Real Madrid Star Over Potential Summer Move
Euan is an experienced soccer writer who has been featured by The Guardian, MARCA, 90min, Sempre Milan and many more similar publications. He secured a first-class degree in journalism at Liverpool John Moores University and his career has seen him primarily focus on European football, developing an in-depth knowledge of multiple clubs and leagues in the process.
Follow burns_euan