Trent Alexander-Arnold's transition from Liverpool to Real Madrid has not gone as smoothly as hoped, as he now finds himself fighting for his place in both club and country. Dropped by England coach Thomas Tuchel for crucial World Cup qualifiers against Andorra and Serbia, Alexander-Arnold is under pressure to solidify his position within the national team. His inclusion in the squad was already in jeopardy following a lackluster start at Real Madrid, where he was benched during their recent win over Oviedo after a disappointing La Liga debut against Osasuna.

Tuchel's decision to exclude Alexander-Arnold speaks volumes about his current standing; the England manager has expressed concerns regarding the player's defensive capabilities. Despite praising Alexander-Arnold's offensive talents, Tuchel pointed out that the full-back must take his defensive responsibilities more seriously if he wishes to contribute effectively to the national team. This sentiment echoes previous criticisms from former England coach Gareth Southgate, who had also questioned Alexander-Arnold's defensive discipline.

At Real Madrid, Alexander-Arnold faces stiff competition for the right-back position, particularly from club legend Dani Carvajal, who has made a quicker-than-expected recovery from injury. The Spanish media has already begun to speculate about Alexander-Arnold's future at the club, suggesting he may struggle to find his footing amid the competition and the tactical demands of his new manager, Xabi Alonso.

As he navigates this challenging period, Alexander-Arnold's recent omission from the England squad adds another layer of pressure, potentially jeopardizing his chances of participating in the upcoming World Cup. Having left Liverpool with high expectations, the current circumstances present a stark contrast to what should have been a promising new chapter in his career. With significant challenges ahead, Alexander-Arnold will need to adapt quickly to prove his worth both at Real Madrid and with the England national team.