Trent Alexander-Arnold made his much-anticipated debut for Real Madrid in a Club World Cup match against Al-Hilal, which ended in a 1-1 draw. The English defender, who joined the Spanish giants from Liverpool for £8.4 million, wore his first name and the number 12 on his shirt, symbolizing a new chapter in his career after a successful tenure with the Reds.

The match showcased a blend of promise and challenges for Alexander-Arnold. Initially, he struggled defensively, finding himself out of position on several occasions, including a pivotal moment when he lost possession at the halfway line. His passing was a mixed bag; he successfully completed simple passes but faltered on more ambitious attempts. However, he did contribute to Madrid's goal, intercepting a pass and assisting in a counter-attack that led to Gonzalo Garcia scoring.

As the game progressed, Alexander-Arnold's performance improved. By halftime, he had achieved an 84% passing accuracy, trailing only Vinicius Jr. among his teammates. Notably, he played further up the pitch in the second half, attempting more crosses and entering the final third frequently. Despite losing possession 12 times—more than any other player—his overall involvement was significant, with 57 touches, indicating his active role in the match.

Reflecting on his debut, Alexander-Arnold expressed his excitement and the overwhelming support he felt from Real Madrid's global fanbase. He had previously surprised fans at his unveiling by speaking Spanish, showing his commitment to adapting to his new environment, although he later acknowledged the difficulty of conversing in Spanish immediately after a match. Overall, while there were moments of inconsistency, Alexander-Arnold's debut highlighted his potential as he begins this new chapter in his illustrious career.