Although Trent Alexander-Arnold has not exactly lit the world ablaze since his hyped blockbuster transfer from Liverpool to Real Madrid last summer, there have been glimpses of the brilliant end product, technical ability, passing quality, and football IQ that made TAA one of the biggest names in world football while winning the Champions League and Premier League (twice) at Anfield.
Alexander-Arnold has usurped Real Madrid legend Dani Carvajal as the main starting right back at the Santiago Bernabeu, and while that is not actually a high bar to clear anymore with how finished the Spanish international looks these days, TAA is slowly growing into his role.
But the one man Alexander-Arnold can never convince is former Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel. He has been continually snubbing the England international from his squads for the national team in the build up to the 2026 World Cup, and there is a real fear that he may not make the real squad this summer.
Ben White over Trent makes little sense
So many people around Real Madrid do not understand this logic at all, and there are also major figures around England who feel the same way as the Madridistas. One of those is a player of the caliber even Real Madrid fans have to give props to - Cristiano Ronaldo's old Manchester United friend (sometimes turned hater) Wayne Rooney.
The iconic No. 9 said of Thomas Tuchel's decision to snub Trent Alexander-Arnold for the Three Lions, via Madrid Xtra, “No disrespect to Ben White, I think he’s a really good player, but for him to be in the squad and play ahead of Trent, I find it mind-boggling.”
What Wayne Rooney is saying here is spot on. Ben White is a decent player who defends well and knows the game, as he's been successful for Arsenal for years. But even Arsenal do not view him as a must start all the time, and he is a converted center back who is very limited in terms of actually getting forward.
White does not have half the technical quality or vision of Alexander-Arnold, and he cannot at all change the complexion of a game like Trent can. England and Tuchel can add what White does with other players, but there is not a single player available at their disposal who can do what Trent does. Real Madrid know that Trent is not a flawless player and are honestly probably disappointed with his first season at the Bernabeu, but even a bad Trent is better than a good White.
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