Real Madrid won't overprotect struggling Trent Alexander-Arnold like Liverpool

Trent Alexander-Arnold has come under fire in recent weeks amid a drop in form coinciding with Real Madrid's slump. His side have suffered back-to-back defeats in La Liga, including a 1-0 loss to Getafe last night (March 2nd).

The English right-back has endured an injury-ridden season since arriving as a free agent last summer. He left boyhood club Liverpool to make the move to the Santiago Bernabeu, ending his Anfield career on a sour note.

Alexander-Arnold went from hero to villain with the large majority of the Kop furious with the manner of his exit. They'd spent years supporting him especially when the English media criticised his defending.

Trent troubles have arrived

Alexander-Arnold shined in January, putting his injury problems behind him. He was particularly impressive in a 4-1 win over Real Sociedad. His playmaking brilliance was applauded by fans who even suggested he could be the man who makes the difference in the title race.

Such appraisal is no longer occuring and instead his defensive ability have drawn concerns. He was once again vulnerable in the defeat to Getafe following a calamitous outing in a 2-1 loss to Osasuna last weekend.

Alexander-Arnold was rarely involved and made just two defensive contributions before he was brought off in the 55th minute for Dani Carvajal. His recent struggles have followed Wayne Rooney's warning that he needs to improve defensively.

Real Madrid won't show the same patience with Trent

Alexander-Arnold is one of Liverpool's greatest ever full-backs who delivered in the big moments. That includes in the remarkable 4-0 win over Barcelona at Anfield.

The Englishman's playmaking wowed the club's fanbase and helped the Reds win the Premier League twice and the Champions League. He made 354 appearances for the Merseysiders, posting 23 goals and 92 assists.

That said, the 27-year-old was regularly called out over his defending and his club stood by him. Jurgen Klopp went to bat for him when he was omitted from England's squad in September 2022 (via BBC Sport):

"There are stories out there all the time that talk about him and say he's not a good defender, but that's not true. A world-class talent gets judged by the one thing he is not as world class at as the other things. If he was not a good defender, he would not play."

Liverpool stuck by their hometown hero and academy product even through difficult periods. This was pointed out by a fan on X:

"Liverpool fans protected Trent so much. He is not getting that at Madrid. They are tearing him into shreds. I reckon he would be at Aston Villa in 2 years."

Madridistas are certainly voicing their frustrations with Alexander-Arnold and his defending as of late. The difference he will experience at the Bernabeu is that if he isn't performing well enough he will suffer the drop especially with important games against Manchester City ahead.