Madrid’s Bold Comeback Plan: Arnold Imitates Bellingham to Reignite Real Madrid's Frontline

Arnold’s comeback blueprint mirrors Bellingham’s revival

Trent Alexander-Arnold, the English right-back, is pursuing a plan similar to the one that revived Jude Bellingham at Real Madrid, aiming to restore his physical and mental readiness after a season hampered by injuries since joining the club.

He seeks to recapture his Liverpool-era form through a tailored pre-season program in Madrid, in close coordination with the coaching staff led by Xabi Alonso.

The Spanish newspaper AS reported on Sunday that the English star is living a situation reminiscent of what happened with Bellingham a few weeks earlier, after a period of measured rest, targeted physical work, and mental recalibration that paved the way back to peak performance.

The paper notes Arnold decided to try the same approach, making the most of the current international break, which the club views as a potential turning point in his season.

England manager Thomas Tuchel said he spoke with Arnold, explaining the reasons for his omission and adding that the player accepted the decision and wants to return stronger.

Alonso indicated Arnold needs more time after the injury, and the break will help him prepare for what's ahead.

Arnold stayed in Madrid for a mini-camp, similar to Bellingham’s setup in October, with the aim of restoring physical form and adapting to the Merengue’s new style.

The club relies on him heavily, especially after Dani Carvajal’s injury, hoping he is ready to assume a leadership role upon his return from the break.

Real Madrid had placed a heavy bet on Arnold, paying 10 million euros to Liverpool to speed up the deal, hoping for a quick integration into Alonso's new system.

He appeared as a starter in five consecutive matches in the Club World Cup before injuries sidelined him from the semi-final and later limited his playing time due to a fresh left thigh muscle issue.

To date, Arnold has played seven matches out of 16 this season for the Merengues, and his only assist came against Borussia Dortmund in the Club World Cup.

The latest injury kept him out for seven straight games, then he returned to action just before the Clasico but did not feature, and later played limited minutes against Valencia and Rayo Vallecano.

Arnold has also communicated on social media that he will return stronger, staying committed to the recovery plan, even if he has yet to play a full match following his comeback.

The current international break is an ideal window to overcome frustration and begin a fresh phase of adaptation and development, aiming for the version Real Madrid envisioned when signing him.

Trent Alexander-Arnold is one of Liverpool’s most prominent academy products in the last decade, having forced his way into the first team since 2016 under Jürgen Klopp, known for tactical intelligence, dead-ball accuracy, and the ability to drive play from the full-back position.

The breakthrough came in 2017-2018, when he became a regular on the right flank, particularly in the Champions League, helping Liverpool reach the final. His achievements continued with the 2019 Champions League title, the 2019-2020 Premier League title, plus the Club World Cup and UEFA Super Cup, setting records for a full-back in terms of assists.

Internationally, he has been a staple in the England squad since 2018, featuring in major tournaments like the 2022 World Cup and Euro 2020, sometimes deployed in various roles including midfield, thanks to his vision on the pitch.

Despite that success, he faced criticism over defensive duties and a string of muscular injuries that affected his consistency in his last season at Liverpool. In summer 2025, he made a big move to Real Madrid seeking a new challenge abroad, joining a club with a rich history in European competitions.

Being alongside Bellingham offers an opportunity to rekindle the chemistry they built in the national team, while working under Alonso could sharpen his abilities in a system built around building from the back.

With a new chapter in Madrid, Arnold aims to prove himself again and deliver a strong version that matches his ambitious career expectations.

The current reset plan is a key to restoring his shine, just as it happened with Bellingham; the Real Madrid faithful need him now more than ever.

Punchline 1: If injuries were a league, Arnold would be the top scorer in extra time.

Punchline 2: Madrid signed a player with comebacks, timing them like a boomerang—every time he goes out, he comes back swinging.