Xabi Alonso drops Trent Alexander-Arnold again as Real Madrid favour Dani Carvajal

Trent Alexander-Arnold was left on the bench once more as Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso opted for veteran Dani Carvajal for Saturday's LaLiga meeting at Real Sociedad.

Alexander-Arnold, an England international who has started intermittently since joining Real Madrid, was given only three minutes of action in the club's second league match against Real Oviedo before returning to the starting lineup for the 2-1 victory over Real Mallorca. Alonso, however, reverted to Carvajal in San Sebastián, underlining the manager's willingness to rotate the right-back position.

Alonso said the selection battle between Alexander-Arnold and Carvajal was not straightforward and framed it as part of internal competition across the squad. "Fortunately, we have healthy competition within the team, and they're challenged internally because there are team-mates who are ready," Alonso said during the week. "It also happens in other positions, like centre back or winger. Whoever deserves it will play; it's going to be very repetitive all year."

Carvajal, who brings significant experience at the Bernabéu, has been Alonso's preferred option in the coach's early matches in charge. Observers and club staff have noted Carvajal's defensive solidity, while Alexander-Arnold is viewed as a more attacking full-back, offering width and creativity from deep positions. Alonso appears to be prioritising a defensive-first approach at the back in some fixtures, a tactical choice that has influenced his selection.

Real Madrid produced a clinical display in San Sebastián, with Kylian Mbappé scoring in the 12th minute and Arda Güler adding a second before half-time to secure a victory on the road. The result continued a positive start to the campaign for Los Blancos and eased immediate pressure on Alonso's rotation decisions.

Alexander-Arnold's case highlights the balancing act facing Alonso as he navigates squad management, player form and tactical demands. The England international has been used as both a starter and a substitute early this season, and his limited minutes in certain fixtures have prompted questions about how and when he will be integrated as a regular in Alonso's plans.

Alonso has emphasised that selection will reflect performance and suitability for each match. The decision to favour Carvajal at Real Sociedad illustrates the manager's current preference for experience and defensive assurance on the right flank, but his public comments left open the door for Alexander-Arnold to reclaim a starting role should he meet the coach's criteria.

Real Madrid now prepare for their next fixtures with the right-back competition likely to continue. Alonso's approach suggests ongoing rotation across key positions as he tests options and seeks consistency in results while managing player workloads over a long season.