Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dani Carvajal have 'healthy competition' at Real Madrid as Xabi Alonso expects full-backs to drive each other on

The Madrid boss Alonso addressed the competition between Carvajal and Alexander-Arnold ahead of Los Blancos’s return to La Liga action against Real Sociedad. The head coach described their battle for the right-back spot as a case of “healthy competition” and confirmed that team selection will depend on merit. The remarks came in his pre-match press conference as he prepared for an emotional first return to San Sebastian since leaving Real Sociedad B for Bayer Leverkusen in 2022.

During his recent pre-game press conference Alonso addressed the situation in defence: “Fortunately, we have healthy competition within the team, and they're challenged internally because there are teammates who are ready… It also happens in other positions, like centre-back or winger. Whoever deserves it will play; it's going to be very repetitive all year.”

Carvajal, the captain and long-standing figure at the club, has been Alonso’s preferred starter in the opening games. But Alexander-Arnold, signed from Liverpool this summer, offers attacking flair and has already shown flashes of his quality in comeback wins. Alonso’s public insistence on meritocracy reflects his approach to building a competitive squad where no position is guaranteed. The balancing act will define Madrid’s right flank across domestic and European campaigns.

Madrid head into a crunch September run with seven games before the international break, including the Champions League opener and the Madrid derby. Alonso will be forced to rotate, meaning both Carvajal and Alexander-Arnold are set to share opportunities. How he manages that competition could shape not only Madrid’s defensive solidity but also their attacking balance on the right. For Alonso, Saturday also carries a personal weight as his return to San Sebastian since his coaching days at La Real, a reminder of where his managerial journey began.