Gary Neville names 2 players who will make it tough and cause problems for Trent Alexander-Arnold at Real Madrid

Manchester United legend Gary Neville claims that Federico Valverde and Dani Carvajal could make life difficult for Liverpool's Trent Alexander-Arnold at Real Madrid. The Reds right-back has been linked with a move to the Santiago Bernabeu in the summer, with his contract running out at the end of the season.

If the England international joins the Spanish giants, he's likely to face competition from Carvajal, who is contracted with Los Blancos till 2026. Meanwhile, Valverde has filled in this year in the role after the 33-year-old picked up a long term injury.

Speaking on the Overlap Podcast, Neville said (via GIVEMESPORT):

“I said that I thought he [Trent Alexander-Arnold] had to get more serious about his defending – I’ve said that constantly – or else it will cause him problems.

"I think it will cause him a problem at Real Madrid because they have Federico Valverde, who is playing right-back currently, and Dani Carvajal when he’s back – he’s going to have some serious competition. They are brilliant players, and he’s going to find it tough there."

Despite Neville's reservations, it is likely that Alexander-Arnold will secure regular game time, with Carvajal's contract expiring soon. Moreover, Carlo Ancelotti would wish to deploy Valverde in a midfield role to which he is more naturally suited.

So far this season, the English defender has made 39 appearances across competitions, bagging three goals and seven assists.

Jamie Carragher points out why fans are unhappy with Trent Alexander-Arnold's links with Real Madrid

Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher believes Reds fans are unhappy with Trent Alexander-Arnold's links with Real Madrid due to the lack of a transfer fee in this deal.

He told the Stick to Football Podcast (via Daily Mail):

"It seems like there’s not one thing people are unhappy with – it’s leaving on a free or that he should have come out and told the club earlier – people are angry for three or four different things.

"I’m not angry about him going on a free. In an ideal world, Liverpool would get £70m or £80m for him to reinvest, but you can’t have it both ways as a supporter."

Alexander-Arnold has been brilliant over the years for Liverpool, having made 349 senior team appearances across competitions, scoring 22 goals and bagging 87 assists.

He's won the Premier League and the UEFA Champions League trophies once each at Anfield, among other honors. The full-back is likely to win the English top flight this year as well.

About the author

Rahul has been a European football journalist for Sportskeeda since 2023. A B.B.A. L.L.B. graduate, he captained his university football team and also played for Boca Juniors Football School during his initial years, and also coached his university's girls team. He always aims to translate his tactical awareness, knowledge of the sport and first-hand experience into well-researched articles for his readers.

A follower of the beautiful game since 2014, Rahul is an avid Arsenal and a match-going Bengaluru FC fan. His favorite footballer is Mesut Ozil due to his love for nimble-footed playmakers, while his favorite manager is the legendary Arsene Wenger owing to the Frenchman's attractive style of football.

Rahul, whose favorite FIFA World Cup moment is Lionel Messi lifting the trophy in 2022, has interviewed grassroots expert Tom Byer in the past and gained insight into Japanese football. He also believes Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland can rule the footballing world and take Ronaldo and Messi's place.

When he is not writing, Rahul likes to spend his time playing football, following the Indian Super League and watching other sports. He is also a huge cricket fan and supports Royal Challengers Bengaluru.

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Edited by Sankalp Srivastava