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Topics: Xabi Alonso, Real Madrid, Liverpool, Trent Alexander-Arnold
Josh Lawless
Topics: Xabi Alonso, Real Madrid, Liverpool, Trent Alexander-Arnold
Xabi Alonso has immediately decided the two areas Trent Alexander-Arnold must improve on after a single training session with Real Madrid.
Having being officially presented as a Real player last week after Real paid Liverpool £8.4 million so he could play in the Club World Cup, Alexander-Arnold linked up with his new teammates in Miami ahead of their first group game with Al Hilal.
Spanish outlet AS provided a report on how Alexander-Arnold fared in his first sessions, with an inside source stating that "arrived like a rocket" and has been "like a beast" physically - as well as leaving many of his new colleagues "speechless" with some of his quality on the ball.
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While his personality, physique and corner taking ability has impressed as he continues to adapt, the report stated that he must "improve his defence, his duels and his one-on-ones."
Alexander-Arnold's attacking output has never been an issue but there have been many critics of his defending and he was the most dribbled past defender in Premier League since his debut in December 2016.
Arne Slot even called for the England international to improve that side of his game and that is something Alonso must get him to focus on.
El Pais compiled a report where they said Alexander-Arnold has come across as "particularly shy" and always been by the side of England teammate and friend Jude Bellingham.
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However, the 26-year-old has been thoroughly enjoying his first sessions in the new surroundings and described the training as "high quality" and "a lot different".
"Hot to start with but a good session with some good things," Alexander-Arnold admitted in an interview with Real Madrid's official website.
"[It was] good to get a feel of the ball and a feel of the heat training in this climate so it was a good session.
"[It was] high quality. The ball moves very fast. Obviously it's a lot different to what I'm used to in terms of the players and the style of play but it's good and I'm enjoying the change and I'm enjoying being a part of it.
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"It feels really good and I'm happy to be here to be honest."
He added: "I can't say enough about the lads and how they made me feel welcome and at home.
"They've all put in a lot of effort, spoken to me, made me feel comfortable and made sure any questions I had - especially with the translations and things - they've helped me a lot with everything.
Wearing No.12 and 'Trent' on the back of his shirt, Alexander-Arnold could make his debut against Al Hilal at the Hard Rock Stadium on Wednesday night.