Renowned journalist Henry Winter has explained why English fans should hope Trent Alexander-Arnold succeeds at Real Madrid.
Alexander-Arnold joined Real Madrid from boyhood club Liverpool earlier in June. Los Blancos could have signed the Englishman for free, but paid £8.4 million for his expedited release.
The right-back’s decision to leave Anfield on a free has not sat well with Liverpool fans.
First win in white! 🤍 pic.twitter.com/x9r4qTPto1
— Trent Alexander-Arnold (@TrentAA) June 22, 2025
Since his Real Madrid transfer became public, they have relentlessly criticised him, both on the pitch and on social media. After his unremarkable debut in Los Merengues’ goalless draw with Al Hilal, disgruntled English fans called his performance a ‘disasterclass’.
Alexander-Arnold has since bounced back. After heavily contributing to Real Madrid’s build-up play against Pachuca and Salzburg, the England international finally registered an assist against Juventus. He produced a gem of a cross from the right, allowing Gonzalo Garcia to head it into the back of the net.
Henry Winter Explains Why English Fans Must Wish for Alexander-Arnold’s Success at Real Madrid
On Wednesday, Henry Winter took to X (formerly Twitter), praising Trent Alexander-Arnold for his performance against Juventus. He also explained why Alexander-Arnold’s success at Real Madrid bodes well not only for English football but also for the England national team.
Gonzalo Garcia & Trent Alexander-Arnold #FIFACWC pic.twitter.com/8KoZBHNbvD
— H (@HQpcrt) July 1, 2025
“Good to see Trent Alexander-Arnold receiving appreciation and respect for doing Trent things: delivering a perfect cross for a striker to score (Real Madrid’s very promising, 21-year-old centre-forward Gonzalo Garcia against Juventus in the Club World Cup),” he wrote.
“It’s a reminder of why Real sought Trent’s services, and paid an £8.4m fee to get him in early. One touch does not make a season, though. Trent still has to work more on the defensive side of his game, particularly on concentration. But it’s a strong start.”
He then discussed the importance of Alexander-Arnold’s success at Real Madrid.
“And people should really be wishing Trent well at Real: if he prospers, it will enhance further the reputation and value of English footballers abroad, endorse the quality of coaching in English academies, and make him even more of a rounded force for the national team in a World Cup year.”
Good to see Trent Alexander-Arnold receiving appreciation and respect for doing Trent things: delivering a perfect cross for a striker to score (Real Madrid’s very promising, 21-year-old centre-forward Gonzalo Garcia against Juventus in the Club World Cup). It’s a reminder of why…
— Henry Winter (@henrywinter) July 2, 2025
Alexander-Arnold has admitted that he is struggling to communicate at his new club. But judging by his excellent Spanish at his unveiling, his struggles should resolve in no time.
Alexander-Arnold and Real Madrid will return to FIFA Club World Cup action with a highly anticipated clash against Borussia Dortmund on Saturday night, July 5.
