Thibaut Courtois has revealed what Trent Alexander-Arnold is like in Real Madrid training after the former Liverpool full-back notched his first assist for the club.
Los Blancos booked their place in the Club World Cup quarter-finals on Tuesday night as a second-half goal from academy graduate Goncalo Garcia sealed a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Juventus.
Garcia, who is being compared to Los Blancos legend Raul, headed home from Trent Alexander Arnold's perfectly-weighted cross in the 54th minute to score his third goal of the tournament.
Naturally, the in-form Spaniard was one of the big talking points alongside Trent.
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And after the full-time whistle, teammate Thibaut Courtois was asked to give his thoughts on the England international, who has made an instant impression following his summer move.
Courtois proceeded to give an insight into what the 26-year-old is like in training.
Speaking to DAZN, he said: "I think he could have already had a few in these four games. His pre-assist against Pachuca was also really good. In training he’s horrible, his kicking is amazing. His free-kicks, his corner kicks are really on another level."
He added: "I don’t think I saw some guy with his quality of kicking and crossing so as a goalkeeper sometimes it’s a nightmare. But it keeps you on edge and keeps you working hard, trying to save them, to make him better and myself better."
Real Madrid head coach Xabi Alonso was also asked about Trent after Tuesday night's win over Juventus.
"Trent? I believe in him. He still needs time, but he’s an amazing player," the Spaniard said.
"Crossing is his trademark; he’s done 500 of those. On the right, we sometimes need an extra foot. One-on-one dribbling isn’t his thing. He comes to Madrid to compete; he’s barely trained. Everything takes time."
Alonso added: "Everything takes time, but I’m confident we’ll have a reliable full-back. First, we have to improve as a team."
Dani Carvajal sends 'personal challenge' message to Trent Alexander-Arnold
Carvajal, who has been a mainstay for Madrid over the past decade, is more than ready to compete with their latest signing.
The Spaniard admitted it was "logical" for the club to sign Alexander-Arnold but warned he is ready to compete after spending months on the sidelines with a serious knee injury.
Carvajal said: "On a professional level, it's logical: in every team and in every position, there are new people coming in. I take it as a personal challenge that I love to compete. Having important challenges ahead, and hopefully that competition, healthy, I repeat, will make the team much better.
He added: "Trent has adapted phenomenally, he's treated everyone fantastically. He had a lot of trust with Jude, but he's super friendly with everyone. When we've had a free afternoon, he's come out to walk, to have dinner, and the guy is really, really great."
Topics: Trent Alexander-Arnold, Real Madrid, La Liga, Juventus, Thibaut Courtois
Jack Kenmare