Real Madrid summer signing showed true quality in short but impressive display vs Real Sociedad | OneFootball

Trent Alexander-Arnold’s debut season at Real Madrid has not gone the way he would have hoped. 

The English full-back has spent long periods on the sidelines due to injuries, which have prevented him from building rhythm and consistency in the team.

That is why his recent appearance against Real Sociedad carried extra importance. 

Although he played just 60 minutes, his performance offered a glimpse of what he can bring to the side once he is fully fit and settled in Madrid.

According to AS, within the Real Madrid dressing room, the impact of his quality was felt quickly. 

In fact, it is said that his teammates needed only a couple of training sessions to recognise the kind of player he is. 

The assist against Sociedad

That growing trust was visible in the move that led to the opening goal against Real Sociedad. 

Gonzalo Garcia made his run with confidence, knowing the ball would arrive exactly where it needed to be, and Trent delivered it with precision.

What makes him stand out is the contrast in style he brings compared to other full-backs in the squad. 

Trent Alexander-Arnold was fantastic against Real Sociedad. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Where others, such as Dani Carvajal and Alvaro Carreras, focus on defensive solidity or overlapping runs, Trent’s biggest weapon is his distribution. 

He sees passing lanes early and has the technique to execute difficult balls with ease.

Against Sociedad, he did not limit himself to crosses from the touchline. Instead, he frequently stepped into deeper positions to start attacking moves. 

His long passes helped the team break lines and move quickly into dangerous areas, something that is crucial in modern matches where opponents press high and close spaces quickly.

Even in a short spell on the pitch, he repeatedly launched attacks from the right side. 

Teammates such as Vinicius Jr. and Gonzalo benefited from his service, receiving the ball in positions that allowed them to keep the momentum going. 

It showed that his role is not just about width, but also about controlling the tempo and direction of play.