Trent Alexander-Arnold has been subjected to a brutal assessment from the Spanish press following Real Madrid's disappointing 1-1 stalemate with Girona at the weekend.
The former Liverpool right-back, who departed Anfield during the summer with aspirations of claiming the Ballon d'Or, has struggled to make his mark at the Bernabeu.
Alfredo Relano, one of Spain's most distinguished football journalists, delivered a withering verdict on the 27-year-old in Marca.
Relano wrote: "Now that Trent is here, he seems like a clueless and insubstantial player, with the expression of a rabbit in the headlights."
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Relano continued his scathing critique, arguing that while Alexander-Arnold possesses evident quality from dead-ball situations with his right foot, his contribution during open play remains virtually non-existent.
The veteran journalist added: "His quality at set pieces is masked by his right foot, but in open play he is non-existent."
The England international's performance against Girona did little to silence his critics, as he nearly presented the opposition with a goal through a careless first-half pass.
His delivery from wide positions was also uncharacteristically erratic, with crosses failing to find their intended targets throughout the match.
Trent Alexander-Arnold has been subjected to a brutal assessment from Spanish football media
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The criticism marks a stark reversal from earlier praise Alexander-Arnold had received from Spanish publication AS, which highlighted his ability to create opportunities for teammates and suggested he was establishing himself as the squad's set-piece specialist under Xabi Alonso.
His performances against Elche and Olympiacos had appeared to be winning over sceptics in the Spanish capital.
Yet the creative defender remains without a single goal or assist across 10 appearances for Real Madrid this campaign in both La Liga and the Champions League.
He has completed the full 90 minutes on just two occasions in the Spanish top flight.
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Trent Alexander-Arnold has completed the full 90 minutes on just two occasions in the Spanish top flight
|GETTY
Manager Xabi Alonso has rallied behind his struggling defender despite the mounting pressure from the Spanish press.
"Trent is a top player, and we need him," the 2010 World Cup winner stated ahead of the Girona fixture.
The former Liverpool midfielder emphasised that difficulties during an inaugural season at a new club should be expected.
Alonso said: "It's his first year, and this adjustment period is normal.
Alexander-Arnold faces competition from Dani Carvajal and Federico Valverde for a regular starting place
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He added: "He's also demanding of himself, and we have to support him through this significant change."
Alexander-Arnold faces competition from Dani Carvajal and Federico Valverde for a regular starting place, having also been hampered by injury problems since arriving in Spain.
His form meant that he was not picked for Thomas Tuchel's final England squad of the year.
The Liverpool-born defender will be hoping to pick up his form if he wants to travel across the Atlantic to play in the 2026 World Cup.
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