Pundit Terry Gibson backs Dani Carvajal to “still be favourite” at right wing-back after his return from injury
Trent Alexander-Arnold has started brightly at Real Madrid but been warned to expect strong competition from veteran right-back Dani Carvajal once the Spaniard returns from injury.
Alexander-Arnold joined Madrid from Liverpool in June for €10 million just a few weeks before he was to become a free agent. The England international has started all of Madrid’s Club World Cup games and already recorded his first assist. However, Spanish football pundit Terry Gibson said on talkSPORT that his long-term place in Xabi Alonso’s starting lineup is not guaranteed.
Carvajal, 33, is currently recovering from a knee ligament injury suffered in October but remains a key figure at the club. A five-time Champions League winner and long-serving starter, Carvajal is widely respected in the Madrid dressing room and retains support among the coaching staff.
Gibson said: “Yes, 100 per cent [Alexander-Arnold’s starting position isn’t guaranteed]. I would say that Dani Carvajal would still be favourite. He’s a legend, with all the Champions Leagues they’ve won, he’s been at the heart. It would be controversial for Xabi Alonso to discard him.
“I do think it would be a waste as well to do so, depending on how he gets back from his knee injury, we may not see the best of him until Christmas.
“But it’s competition for a place and Carvajal is a better defender and also gives something going forward.”
While Alexander-Arnold is younger and better with delivery and range of passing, he might struggle defensively in Xabi Alonso’s 3-5-2 system. Carvajal, by contrast, is a more balanced option in both phases of play.
“I don’t think there’s any doubt that that is Alexander-Arnold’s strength,” said Gibson. “He’s better at crossing, diagonal passes and set pieces, so there are differences between the two.
“I just think Carvajal edges it in terms of being good at everything. Alexander-Arnold is brilliant at one or two things and maybe not as good defensively.”
