Xabi Alonso defends Trent Alexander-Arnold and praises 'trademark' move to set up Real Madrid's winning goal against Juventus

Madrid head coach Alonso came to the defence of the team's newest full-back Alexander-Arnold after beating Juventus 1-0 in the round of 16 in the Club World Cup. The manager called for patience with the Englishman while praising his "trademark" cross that proved to be the difference on Tuesday.

Alexander-Arnold left Liverpool upon the expiration of his contract and joined Real Madrid, with the 15-time European champions paying €10 million (£8.5m/$11.5m) to have him for the Club World Cup. He did not leave much of a mark on his debut for Real, with the Spanish media criticising his performance in the 1-1 draw against Al-Hilal last month. However, in the remaining two group stage games — against Pachuca and Red Bull Salzburg — the 26-year-old gradually improved. Against Juve, he looked a bit shy in the first half. Most of his long balls from deep or from his own half lacked the precision and intent we've come to expect from him during his time at Liverpool. However, in the second half, he found space at the edge of the area and delivered a pinpoint cross, which was met by the head of the impressive young marksman Gonzalo Garcia, who made it three goals in four games.

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Speaking to DAZN after the game, Alonso was asked if Alexander-Arnold was struggling a bit. The manager responded: "The cross to Gonzalo is his trademark; he's made 500 of those in his career. He placed it very carefully, in the right place. Although on the right we need an extra foot, because dribbling isn't his thing, but rather link-up play. But we're working on it. This is a challenge for him: Real Madrid, with almost no general training. Straight to the game. Everything takes time."

Asked if he struggles defensively, Alonso told reporters: "They took the lead there, we weren't balanced and we weren't helping him... He did too... everything takes time. It's a guarantee."

Madrid will face Borussia Dortmund in the quarter-final on Saturday, July 5. However, the Bellingham brothers will not face each other as Jobe received a booking against Monterrey on Wednesday which means he'll be serving suspension.