Trent Alexander-Arnold opens up on Real Madrid debut and reveals what Xabi Alonso told the team at half-time as Spanish giants are held by Al-Hilal at Club World Cup

Trent Alexander-Arnold insisted that he knows he ‘made the right decision’ to join Real Madrid after making his debut for Xabi Alonso‘s side at the Club World Cup.

Madrid were held to a 1-1 draw by Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal in Miami, with the former Liverpool man playing 65 minutes before he was replaced by Lucas Vasquez.

‘It’s the first time that I’ve moved clubs so I didn’t know what to expect. I had no expectations coming into this,’ Trent told Mail Sport. 

‘It’s a big change and it’s different but I’m loving every single minute of it and in my mind and my heart, I know that I made the right decision for me.’

The game started at 3pm local time in conditions that were far from ideal for football, with temperatures in excess of 30 degrees celsius and high levels of humidity.

‘Yeah, I found it very challenging (in that heat). It’s very different from England,’ Alexander-Arnold admitted. 

The former Liverpool man played 65 minutes before he was replaced by Lucas Vasquez

Madrid took the lead through Gonzalo Garcia before Ruben Neves levelled from the spot 

‘But it was a very proud moment for me. I’m very happy to have made my debut. It’s something that most, if not all players, dream of in their life. I’m incredibly proud of the achievement but of course there’s some disappointment (with the result) with the mentality that comes as a Madrid player. 

‘You want and expect to win every single game but of course, new coach, some new players and new ideas – there’s some positives to take from it, especially in the second half and the foundation has been built to go and win the next game now,’ added the 26-year-old.

The Spanish side took the lead through Gonzalo Garcia before Ruben Neves levelled from the spot just before half-time, in a half where Simone Inzaghi’s side dominated. Madrid improved after the break but Federico Valverde had a 90th minute penalty saved by Bono as Al Hilal held on for a famous result.

‘He (Alonso) didn’t say anything specifically to me at half-time. He said we needed to control the game more and dominate the ball, especially in this heat. 

‘In these games, you have to dominate the ball otherwise you’re chasing shadows. The heat really kicks in so it’s important for us to keep hold of the ball as much as possible,’ said Alexander-Arnold.

Madrid next take on Mexican side Pachuca in Charlotte on Sunday.