Trent Alexander-Arnold was one of Real Madrid's best players against Malaga in their 4-0 win on Sunday at the Bernabeu. Trent provided a brilliant assist to Kylian Mbappé's goal, which essentially ended the contest in the first half itself, as the home side were already up by three goals.
It was just something about Trent's performance that spoke a lot differently compared to other fullbacks playing on the same pitch. Even though he's right-footed and a right-back, there are many similarities between him and Marcelo, who used to don Real Madrid's number 12 jersey for the longest time, a number that Trent now wears as well.
There are many things that Real Madrid fans miss about Marcelo in the team. Some of them miss the trickery on the flanks, some of them miss the ball control. I miss the crosses.
Real Madrid have not had a crosser like Marcelo in a very long time
Real Madrid have not had a volume crosser quite like Marcelo in the longest time. There have been so many fullbacks for Real Madrid who just pump crosses into the box without actually trying to aim them to certain players.
It is annoying, which is why the idea of having Trent start at right-back is so refreshing. It is nothing new, but the assist to Mbappé's goal reminded fans of just how devastatingly good Trent's crossing and passing actually are.
Having a fullback who can pinpoint a player and cross the ball directly and perfectly into their feet is something that is easier said than done. Marcelo used to do it really well for Real Madrid, and since his departure, there hasn't been anyone who has done it with that much consistency.
Dani Carvajal was really good at that, but towards the end of his career at the club, he did not do it enough because of how much he was involved on the defensive side of things. So these cutbacks, grounded crosses and lofty crosses with pinpoint accuracy are something that have been missing from Real Madrid for a while.
But with Trent, you get reminded that so much of it is still there. Real Madrid still have the best passing right-back in the history of football, and Jose Mourinho would also know that just as well as anybody else.
He needs to realise that, as good as Denzel Dumfries can be as a fullback, there is no replacing Trent. Having him in the squad, regardless of whether Arda Güler plays on the flank, or Kylian Mbappé is a striker, or if it's Carlos Espi instead - Trent should be among the first names on the pitch at all times.
And the sooner Mourinho realises that, the better it is for Real Madrid.
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