Arbeloa plays it cool on Trent: 'We're not discovering him now'
Real Madrid Castilla boss Álvaro Arbeloa praised Alexander-Arnold's intelligence while reflecting on his team's commanding 4-1 victory over Real Sociedad.
Real Madrid Castilla coach Álvaro Arbeloa has downplayed the fuss around Trent Alexander-Arnold’s potential future move to the Bernabéu, while celebrating his side’s impressive win against Real Sociedad.
Madrid put pressure on Barça
Following a commanding 4-1 victory over Real Sociedad at the Bernabéu, Arbeloa was in good spirits as his team put the squeeze on Barcelona in the title race. The former Madrid defender acknowledged the importance of having a full week to prepare for the match.
“We’ve had a clean week of training and I think it showed from the start,” Arbeloa noted, highlighting how Real Sociedad had been hampered by their midweek fixture – a situation Madrid often find themselves in.
Vini shining bright
Arbeloa was full of praise for Vinicius Jr, who continues to terrorize defenders across Spain:
- Called him “one of the best in the world”
- Highlighted how he conditions opposition teams
- Described him as “a fantastic lad with a big heart”
The gaffer seemed proper chuffed with the Brazilian’s development, adding that Madrid are lucky to have him.
Mbappé managed, Carvajal returns
The Castilla boss revealed that Mbappé was rested as a precaution due to discomfort, with Tuesday’s trip to Lisbon in mind. Meanwhile, Dani Carvajal made his return to action, receiving a warm ovation from the Bernabéu faithful.
Trent talk keeps bubbling
When asked about Liverpool’s Alexander-Arnold, Arbeloa was careful not to add fuel to the transfer fire, but his admiration was clear.
“We’re not going to discover Trent now,” he said matter-of-factly, while still praising the Englishman’s intelligence and understanding of the game.
Arbeloa described the defender as “a very pleasant surprise” in how he reads spaces and understands football – hardly dampening speculation about Madrid’s interest in the Scouser.
Huijsen learning curve
The boss also defended young defender Huijsen after an error, reminding everyone that at just 20 years old and in his first season, the pressure of playing at the back for Real Madrid is no small task.
“Being a defender at Real Madrid isn’t easy,” Arbeloa sympathized, showing patience with the youngster’s development.
With this victory, Madrid continue to apply pressure in the title race, though Arbeloa insists their focus now shifts to Tuesday’s European clash in Lisbon.