The signing of Alphonso Davies slipped away from Real Madrid at the last minute. The player succumbed to an unexpected super offer from Bayern. The same won't happen with Alexander-Arnold.
Both had in common that their contracts with their clubs were ending, they weren't being renewed, and they were coming to Real Madrid at zero cost. Alexander-Arnold is keeping his word and will wear white next season.
Alexander-Arnold has played his entire life as a right-back for Liverpool and the English national team. He is a full-back with a lot of stamina who can become the most dangerous striker, but leaving some doubts in his defensive role.
It would be a case similar to Marcelo's. Super class attacking, discreet defending. The topic was debated on the program Buenas Noches y Buenos Goles on Radio Marca.
Nacho Peña considers that "he's a very good signing thinking about the most immediate future. We'll see how Carvajal returns, who for me, is indisputable, whether Alexander-Arnold comes or whoever else".
"He Wouldn't Come to Be Carvajal's Substitute"
David Sánchez agrees on Carvajal: "I love offensive full-backs, but Arnold suffers quite a bit defensively. However, I think he doesn't take the starting position from Carvajal under any circumstances".
Luco Cortés adds a new fact: "They haven't told him he's coming to be a substitute. If they had told him he was coming to be Carvajal's substitute, he would have thought about it".
43535
On La pizarra Alberto Edjogo argues that "it's the coach's job to find him a spot on the team. It's a market opportunity that Madrid has to take advantage of, because here players who have the makings of greatness succeed more than players anchored to one position".
Pablo López is very clear: "I'm very surprised that Carvajal is going to be a substitute with Arnold. Therefore, there are two options, either Arnold is the substitute or Arnold plays in another position. He's not going to take Carvajal's place".
Ancelotti's Plans with Alexander-Arnold
They are well on track, he won't take Carvajal's place, although he can play in the full-back position if needed. Ancelotti's plans for Alexander-Arnold involve placing him in the midfield.
It would be in Tchouaméni's position with the intention of filling the gap left by Toni Kroos that remains vacant. Carvajal is more reliable defensively, and Alexander-Arnold's defensive shortcomings are less visible when he plays with the defense behind him.
Ancelotti hasn't requested him to leave Carvajal on the bench but to assume the role that Toni Kroos had. Additionally, his understanding in that area of the field with Bellingham is total.