Real Madrid kicked off their new La Liga campaign with a narrow 1-0 win over Osasuna, thanks to a first-half penalty won and converted by Kylian Mbappé. While the victory brought three points, the real talking point of the night was Trent Alexander-Arnold’s league debut in the famous white shirt, a performance that left fans divided and questioning how well his style fits into Carlo Ancelotti’s (Xabi Alonso here? Correction: you said Alonso) tactical plans.
Mbappé Delivers, Alexander-Arnold Struggles to Shine
Mbappé wasted no time making his mark, tormenting Osasuna’s backline with his blistering pace and dribbling before earning a penalty he confidently slotted home. The French superstar looked sharp, already reminding fans why Madrid invested so heavily in him this summer.
On the other hand, Alexander-Arnold, who arrived from Liverpool for £10 million and had already featured in Madrid’s Club World Cup campaign, endured a quieter evening. Renowned for his pinpoint crossing and set-piece delivery, the Englishman attempted several trademark balls into the box. Still, with Madrid lacking a traditional target man, his efforts often went unrewarded.
“Crossing to Who?”
That mismatch did not go unnoticed by supporters. Social media was quick to question the value of Alexander-Arnold’s trademark weapon in Madrid’s current system:
- “Arnold whipping balls in for Mbappé to head? Makes no sense.”
- “Cross after cross, but Mbappé isn’t built for aerial duels.”
- “Who exactly is he crossing to?”
Such reactions underline the tactical puzzle Madrid faces: one of the world’s most dangerous crossers now finds himself in a team built around speed, dribbling, and direct play rather than aerial dominance.
Alonso’s Adjustments and Possible Solutions
Head coach Xabi Alonso seemed aware of the issue. Throughout the game, he pushed Mbappé wider to the right flank, allowing him to isolate defenders and use his acceleration to create danger rather than wait for service from the wings. The tweak brought more balance, but also highlighted the difficulty of integrating Alexander-Arnold’s strengths.
Some pundits have suggested that Madrid may eventually need to give opportunities to Gonzalo García or another striker with more aerial presence, providing the kind of target that could make Arnold’s deliveries truly devastating. Without that option, much of his creative power risks being neutralised.
What’s Next for Arnold at Madrid?
Despite the mixed reviews, Alexander-Arnold is expected to keep his place in the starting XI for the coming fixtures. His technical quality and range of passing remain undeniable assets, especially on set pieces and in transition. The challenge now lies in finding harmony between his style and Madrid’s forward line.
If he adapts quickly and builds chemistry with Mbappé and Vinícius Jr., he could yet become a key figure in Alonso’s project. If not, doubts will linger, and calls for a different attacking setup, one that fully unlocks his crossing, may only grow louder.
👉 In short:
- Real Madrid start with a win, courtesy of Mbappé’s penalty.
- Alexander-Arnold’s La Liga debut draws mixed reactions.
- The tactical question remains: how to make his crossing count without a target man?
