Xabi Alonso speaks on Trent Alexander-Arnold being benched again vs Rayo Vallecano | OneFootball

Real Madrid head coach Xabi Alonso has provided an insight into the reasoning behind his call to leave Trent Alexander-Arnold out of his starting line-up for the latest time on Sunday.

Los Blancos were of course back in action earlier this evening, making the short trip across Spain’s capital for a La Liga meeting with Rayo Vallecano.

Alexander-Arnold, now fully recovered from injury, was for his part widely expected to be afforded a starting berth for the matchup.

In the absence of the sidelined Dani Carvajal, however, Xabi Alonso continued with Federico Valverde on the right side of his backline.

And as alluded to above, post-match, the Spanish tactician provided a brief insight into why.

Drawn on Alexander-Arnold’s latest absence at Vallecas, Alonso explained:

“He needs more time.”

Alonso’s comments came fresh off his side dropping points in La Liga for just the 2nd time this season.

Thwarted by a stout Rayo Vallecano defensive setup, Real Madrid were forced to settle for a share of the spoils in a 0-0 draw.

Conor Laird – GSFN