Both players faced off at the top level in the past but are now key members of Xabi Alonso’s team
Real Madrid right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold has said he is happy to be playing on the same team as Vinicius Junior because he no longer has to face off against him.
Vinicius starred in Real Madrid’s 3-0 win over RB Salzburg on Friday, scoring one and assisting another as Los Blancos sealed top spot in Group H at the Club World Cup.
“He’s given me a lot of very difficult games in the past,” Alexander-Arnold told DAZN. “So it’s good for it to be happening to other people rather than me now!”
The Brazilian winger opened the scoring in the 40th minute with a sharp finish before assisting Federico Valverde with a cheeky backheel. Gonzalo Garcia added a third late on to wrap up the win and confirm Real Madrid’s place in the last 16, where they’ll face Juventus rather than Manchester City.
Vinicius and Alexander-Arnold met in the 2022 Champions League final, with the Brazilian scoring the decisive goal past Alexander-Arnold and dominating the left flank. On Friday, he was again Madrid’s most dangerous player, leading in dribbles, chances created, and expected goals.
He is also now among the top performers in the Club World Cup for shot-ending carries, with only Palmeiras’ Estevao and Fluminense’s Jhon Arias ahead of him.
Alexander-Arnold played as a wing-back in Xabi Alonso’s new setup on Friday and had a solid showing of his own. No Madrid player attempted or won more tackles, or made more interceptions. The England international said settling into life at Madrid has been easier than expected.
“When you come in, you expect it to be very intimidating,” said Alexander-Arnold. “But it was very warm and welcoming. They made me feel at home straight away, which was amazing.
“That allows me to play as well as I can. Coming into the game today, I was confident enough to go and perform.”
