Steve McManaman believes Trent Alexander-Arnold is finally in a position to show his true quality at Real Madrid after a frustrating first season affected by injuries.

The England international completed a high-profile move to the Spanish giants on a free transfer last summer after allowing his long-term contract with Liverpool to expire. His departure from Anfield brought an end to a highly successful spell with his boyhood club and marked the beginning of a new chapter in Spain.

However, Alexander-Arnold’s first campaign in Madrid did not unfold entirely as expected. Although he featured 30 times across all competitions, only 22 of those appearances came as starts. His opportunities were disrupted by fitness problems, with the defender suffering two separate injuries during the season.

A hamstring problem forced him to miss five league matches, while a subsequent muscle injury kept him out for another seven games. Those setbacks prevented him from establishing the kind of consistent run in the starting line-up that would normally help a new signing adapt to a different league, country and tactical system.

Former Liverpool and Real Madrid player Steve McManaman has now offered his assessment of Alexander-Arnold’s situation. The former England international believes there is no reason to be concerned about the defender’s adaptation to life in Madrid and expects supporters to see a significantly better version of him now that he is fully fit.

Speaking to Spanish publication Sport, McManaman explained that he has remained in contact with Alexander-Arnold and believes the player has settled comfortably into his new surroundings.

According to McManaman, injuries were the main factor that prevented Alexander-Arnold from making a bigger impact during his first season. Rather than struggling to adapt to Real Madrid or experiencing problems within the dressing room, the defender’s progress was primarily interrupted by his physical issues.

McManaman also suggested that Alexander-Arnold does not require extensive advice from former players. Having spent many years competing at the highest level with Liverpool and England, the defender already understands the demands of elite football and knows what is expected of him.

One of the biggest challenges facing Alexander-Arnold has been adapting to life outside England. Moving from Liverpool to Madrid represents a major personal and professional change, requiring him to adjust not only to a different footballing culture but also to a new language and way of life.

McManaman believes Alexander-Arnold has handled that transition well. The former Liverpool star reportedly has a strong group of friends around him in Madrid and appears comfortable with his new environment.

For McManaman, learning Spanish, becoming familiar with the city and enjoying his life away from football are important parts of the process. If Alexander-Arnold can continue to settle into Madrid while remaining physically healthy, there is confidence that his performances will improve.

The defender could also benefit from an important opportunity in the coming days because Real Madrid are dealing with problems in midfield ahead of a major Champions League fixture against Inter Milan.

The Spanish club are set to be without several players for the European clash. Bernardo Silva is suspended, while Arda Guler and Eduardo Camavinga are also unavailable. The shortage of midfield options could force the coaching staff to reconsider their tactical approach and make adjustments to the starting line-up.

That situation could potentially create opportunities for Alexander-Arnold to play a more influential role. Although naturally associated with the right-back position, the England international has frequently demonstrated his ability to operate in midfield and influence matches from deeper areas.

His passing range, vision and ability to dictate the tempo have long been among his strongest qualities. During his time at Liverpool, he developed into one of the most creative full-backs in world football, regularly contributing assists and creating chances with his crossing and long-range passing.

Real Madrid will hope that those qualities can now become a regular feature of his performances.

Alexander-Arnold’s move to Madrid was one of the most closely watched transfers of the previous summer. Having spent his entire senior career at Liverpool, the decision to leave the Premier League giants for Spain represented a major change.

At Liverpool, he established himself as a key player and won several major trophies, including the Premier League and Champions League. His decision to move on a free transfer therefore attracted considerable attention from supporters and analysts.

The expectations at Real Madrid are also extremely high. The club regularly competes for domestic and European honours, and new arrivals are expected to adapt quickly. Alexander-Arnold’s injury problems made that process more difficult during his debut campaign.

However, McManaman’s assessment suggests that the defender should now be judged on what he can do when fully fit rather than on a disrupted first season.

The former Real Madrid player also appears confident that Alexander-Arnold understands exactly what he needs to do to succeed. He does not believe the defender requires someone to tell him how to play or adapt tactically.

Instead, the focus should be on maintaining his fitness, continuing to learn the language and becoming increasingly comfortable with his surroundings.

Alexander-Arnold has already shown glimpses of his ability in Madrid. His performances have suggested that he can contribute both defensively and creatively when given a consistent run of matches.

The next challenge will be to maintain that level over an extended period and establish himself as an important member of the Real Madrid squad.

The competition for places will remain intense, particularly at a club with such a deep squad. Nevertheless, injuries to other players and the club’s current midfield situation could give Alexander-Arnold another opportunity to demonstrate his versatility.

For McManaman, there is little doubt that the England defender has the ability required to succeed in Madrid. The biggest obstacle during his first season was simply his lack of continuity caused by injuries.

Now that he is fit again, the former Liverpool star expects Alexander-Arnold to become increasingly influential.

The defender will therefore be hoping to put last season’s fitness problems behind him and begin establishing himself as a regular contributor for the Spanish giants. If he can stay healthy and continue adapting to his new surroundings, Real Madrid supporters could soon see the player who became such a prominent figure at Liverpool.

With important matches approaching and the club facing a shortage of midfield options, the timing could be ideal for Alexander-Arnold to make a significant impact.

McManaman’s message is ultimately one of confidence: Alexander-Arnold does not need a major change in his approach. He simply needs fitness, consistency and time to fully settle into his new environment.

After an injury-interrupted debut campaign, the England defender now has an opportunity to demonstrate why Real Madrid were so keen to bring him to the Spanish capital in the first place.