Real Madrid right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold has been on the end of some very kind words from his England international colleague, fellow Scouser and El Clasico rival, winger Anthony Gordon
It has been a tough 15 months or so for Real Madrid star Trent Alexander-Arnold since moving to the Spanish capital.
His maiden season at the club was hampered by injuries, and whilst he did put in some impressive performances upon his return, it was a very disappointing collective season for the club.
Then, there was the biggest heartbreak of them all, when the 27-year old was not named in Thomas Tuchel’s 26 man England squad for the FIFA World Cup in the USA, Canada and Mexico.
The writing was probably on the wall when the right-back was not included in an extended, 35 man squad for friendlies against Uruguay and Japan in March, the final games before the squad was announced. That was despite first choice right-back Reece James being injured too.
But, nevertheless, it would not have made the fatal phone call any easier for him to take, and the summer must have been incredibly difficult and emotional for him, particularly with club team mate and good friend, Jude Bellingham, front and centre of the team.
However, there has been some work already done to try and repair Alexander-Arnold’s situation with the national team. Indeed so, as he started for England against Czechia in the UEFA Nations League on Tuesday evening, and registered a sublime assist for Anthony Gordon to break the deadlock, with a superb cross from the right hand side.
After the game, Gordon was very complimentary of his international team mate, when speaking to ITV: “Not many [can make that assist], I said that to him when I scored. I make that run time and time again.
Like you said, only a set number of players have got that ability, technique, and bravery to actually (possibly) make the mistake trying that pass, so great credit to Trent, that’s why he’s so good, and I’ve been dying to play with him for that reason.”
After that, Gordon was asked how good it was to have the Real Madrid man back in the set up: “Yeah great, listen he’s had his own journey with England. Probably would have liked to play more than he has, but he’s been a great character in this camp - I’ve really enjoyed being around him, he’s trained really well, so he’s been a great addition.”
Some very kind and supportive words from Gordon there. He says he’s been dying to play with Alexander-Arnold - well, in a few weeks time, they could come directly up against each other in the first El Clasico of the season at the Camp Nou on the 25th of October.
