Wayne Rooney has hailed a Real Madrid star and tipped him to become 'one of the best in the world. The Manchester United icon spoke ahead of Los Blancos' 1-0 win over Benfica in the first leg of their Champions League play-off.
Madrid's victory was marred by a racism row that occured following Vinicius Junior's winner. Argentine winger Gianluca Prestianni covered his mouth and directed an insult at the Brazilian.
Vinicius claimed that Prestianni called him a racial slur and the game was paused for 10 minutes. It was a game that was wrapped in controversy but there were positives including the win at the Estadio da Luz.
Rooney gives interesting assessment of Madrid man
Trent Alexander-Arnold caught the eye in Madrid's 4-1 win over Real Sociedad last weekend. The English right-back's playmaking brilliance was on display including his assist for Gonzalo Garcia's opener.
The 27-year-old again impressed in the win against Benfica and looks to have made the right-back position his own. He came into the game with many comparing him to Los Blancos legend David Beckham.
Rooney spoke about Alexander-Arnold's abilities ahead of the victory in Portugal. The United legend advised the former Liverpool star to work on the defensive side of his game (via Prime Video Sport):
“A lot of the teams will target down the sides in transition. He has to be good at defending. He has to be good at both sides of the game."
Alexander-Arnold has long been regarded as one of the best ball-playing full-backs in Europe. Rooney seemed to agree with this but continued to point out the need for him to be defensively sound:
"On the ball, he’s one of the best in world football. He has to be good at defending. He has to be good at both sides of the game. Off the ball, defensively, that’s where he has to improve. That’s where the question marks are on Trent."
Rooney went as far as to suggest he has the potential to become the very best in world football:
"If he improves that, there’s no doubt that he will be the best full-back in the world."
"If he improves that he will be the best full-back in the World!" 🌍@WayneRooney backs Trent Alexander-Arnold to reach new heights at Real Madrid ⚪️🤩 pic.twitter.com/5V8BYuXgoj
— Prime Video Sport UK (@primevideosport) February 17, 2026
Alexander-Arnold has endured an injury-ridden debut season at Madrid. He arrived as a free agent last summer after the expiration of his contract with Liverpool.
The Englishman has made 14 appearances across competitions, posting two assists. He boasts years of experience having won the Premier League and Champions League with his boyhood club.
Arbeloa explains Alexander-Arnold impact
Alexander-Arnold's availability has come just in time for the final stretch of the season. Madrid have taken top spot in the La Liga title race with Barcelona.
The English playmaker is starting to form a strong connection with the likes of Federico Valverde and Arda Guler. His manager, Alvaro Arbeloa, alluded to this after the Benfica win (via Madrid Zone):
"The Trent-Fede-Arda synergy on the right wing? Yes, this is something we specifically talked about before the game. That connection is very important for us. Those three are doing an amazing job, their qualities fit each other, and they make us a lot better."
Alexander-Arnold will be keen to continue impressing when Madrid turn their attention to La Liga this Saturday. They travel to Osasuna knowing they can move five points clear of Barca for at least a day as the Catalans play Levante on Sunday.