Former Liverpool F.C. Academy products Trent Alexander-Arnold and Curtis Jones faced harsh criticism from Spanish media after their Champions League reunion on Tuesday night. The two players, who came through the Reds' youth system, started for their new clubs in Real Madrid's 2-1 victory over Inter Milan at the Bernabéu.
Alexander-Arnold departed Liverpool for Real Madrid on a free transfer in the summer of 2025, while Jones completed a £30 million move to Inter Milan just last month. Their first competitive meeting since leaving Anfield proved challenging for both players, with Spanish outlet Radio Marca describing Alexander-Arnold's midfield performance as "a forced experiment" that contributed "almost nothing." The Daily Mirror Football reported the critical reaction from foreign media following the match.
Trent Alexander-Arnold started in midfield for Real Madrid rather than his familiar right-back position. The tactical switch came as manager Carlo Ancelotti managed yellow card concerns within his squad. Former Netherlands international Rafael van der Vaart questioned the decision during his analysis, saying, "He's standing in front of the defence, which isn't his position. It looks like he's not fit or is suffering from something."
Curtis Jones featured for Inter Milan in the same match, though specific details about his performance were less prominent in the critical coverage. Both players had joined Liverpool's academy at young ages, with Alexander-Arnold arriving at six years old and Jones signing at nine. Their development at Kirkby eventually led to first-team success before their respective moves to continental giants.
Kylian Mbappé opened the scoring for Real Madrid in the 14th minute, setting the hosts on their way to a 2-1 victory. The result came just days before Liverpool's own Champions League campaign begins against Atlético Madrid on September 9. That match will be broadcast live on TNT Sports via HBO Max or Prime Video's TNT Sports channel.
Liverpool enter European competition sitting sixth in the Premier League with five points from three games. Their record shows one win and two draws, with a goal difference of plus two after scoring six and conceding four. The Reds currently trail leaders Manchester City by four points in the early title race.
Jürgen Klopp's side has shown defensive solidity with just four goals conceded in their opening fixtures. Their next Premier League assignment comes against Sunderland on January 6, 2027, with the Black Cats currently positioned twelfth in the table. Fans can track the team's progress through the standings as the season develops.
The club's current form reads WDD. This consistency will be important as they balance domestic commitments with another Champions League campaign. Supporters looking ahead can view the full fixtures schedule for the coming months.
The focus now shifts to Anfield where Liverpool host Atlético Madrid in their opening Group Stage fixture. That match represents the first competitive meeting between the sides since the 2021-22 knockout stages. Liverpool's European pedigree remains strong despite the summer departures of several academy graduates.
The club's current squad depth will be tested across multiple competitions this season. Supporters can monitor player availability and selection through the official squad page. Liverpool's next domestic fixture sees them travel to the Stadium of Light to face Sunderland on January 6.
