Unmasked on the Bernabéu: Trent Alexander-Arnold’s quiet revolution as Real Madrid’s new playmaker
29 November 2025
Rise of the Hidden Playmaker
The journey of the English full-back Trent Alexander-Arnold with Real Madrid wasn't easy at first, as his true emergence was delayed by high expectations, injuries, and the acclimatization period.
Over time, Alexander-Arnold revealed a completely different side, a player with exceptional vision and a touch capable of changing Madrid's attacking shape, gradually becoming the 'hidden playmaker' in Xabi Alonso's system from right-back.
According to the Spanish newspaper AS, the move to Real Madrid was a massive deal that dragged on, after he became the world's most valuable right-back last season according to Transfermarkt.
Negotiations featured an initial offer in December 2024, a second offer days later, and Madrid's strong pursuit in June to sign him before the Club World Cup, a move completed for 10 million euros.
His departure from Liverpool was seen as a betrayal, while his arrival at the Bernabéu seemed essential given Carvajal's injuries and the high level he'd shown in the Premier League.
Trent appeared at Valdebebas training twice, then found himself starting after five days, a decision that would cost him later with adaptation difficulties.
The harmony with the team was slow due to the natural adjustment period, plus two injuries, making it hard to show his true value at first.
Yet he drew attention quickly with fluent Spanish, a sign of his clear intent to fit into his new surroundings.
The return to the starting XI against Elche and Olympiakos revealed why Alexander-Arnold matters: a passing vision that gives life to Real Madrid's attack, with long balls benefiting Vinícius and Mbappé.
The newspaper noted that these balls, seen only by Alexander-Arnold, make a big difference in the pace of Madrid's attack and in how it is built.
Despite the hype around his arrival, early criticism showed a misunderstanding of a player who has never been a 'tough defender' but whose real weapons were artistry and game-reading, traits that quickly turned him into the team's set-piece reference.
Against Olympiakos, Trent delivered one of his best showings, proving the full-back can play as an attacker-creator: 89% passing accuracy, seven long balls completed from seven, and a clear role in ball circulation, plus taking set-pieces and corners.
While Carvajal has proven his value as a right-back who can seal games over the past decade, Real Madrid now has two differently-styled options on the right flank, both capable of making a difference.
Punchline 1: If passes were a sniper rifle, his shots would land with the precision of a laser pointer—on target every time, even in traffic.
Punchline 2: He doesn’t just read the game; he writes the script, then hands the pen to Vinícius for the autograph on the assist.
