The Spanish media have made their feelings clear on Real Madrid signing Trent Alexander-Arnold from Liverpool following his official unveiling.
Alexander-Arnold was formally unveiled as a Real player following his transfer from Liverpool, who received a fee despite the player's contract coming to an end this month.
He was presented to fans at the club's training complex on Thursday as he signed autographs and took pictures.
Alexander-Arnold, accompanied by club president Florentino Perez, went through the formalities of officially signing his contract and was paraded in front of supporters, having had his squad number confirmed.
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He is in line to make his Real debut at this month's Club World Cup, with the Spanish giants beginning their campaign on June 18 against Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal.
But even before wearing the famous white jersey, the Spanish media have already had their say on the signing of Alexander-Arnold.
AS claim he will be 'subjected to a challenge that will test his true worth' and argued the signing is a 'risky' decision, but claimed he arrives in his 'physical prime'.
Javier Silles wrote: "Alexander-Arnold will be subjected to a challenge that will test his true worth. At Liverpool, especially during Klopp's tenure, he relied on a double pivot and the help of the center-back to compensate for his positional errors and hesitant retreat.
"Between doubts and certainties, expectations for Alexander-Arnold are no less significant. He's a footballer in his physical prime, arriving at the perfect age and with a legacy at Liverpool that, in some ways, justifies him. However, the contrasts in his performance are stark, as is the uncertainty surrounding his adaptation. One could argue that his signing is a risky decision, albeit a blessed one."
Marca also published a piece about the 26-year-old ahead of making his first appearance for his new team.
They spoke to Vitor Matos, who was Jurgen Klopp's left-hand man at Liverpool between 2019 and 2024.
Matos defended him from the criticism he has received for his defensive performances, calling it 'unfair'.
"In the world we live in, anything becomes a trend, and that's been a bit of a trend with Trent . He's had games in which he's been incredibly good at defence," he explained.
"People need to understand the amount of space he has to defend. He has Salah in front of him, and to keep him fresh, he needs to be 'freed up', which puts a lot of strain on the full-back. I think the criticism isn't fair. His level needs to be analysed in every game, not just at specific moments."
Topics: Real Madrid, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Football
Nasir Jabbar