Trent Alexander-Arnold has begun training with Real Madrid, and it didn’t take long for him to express his admiration for the level of his new teammates. The English full-back, one of the standout signings brought in for the revamped Club World Cup, shared his first impressions with the club’s official media and showed great excitement about the experience.

"There’s so much quality. The ball moves incredibly fast. It’s very different from what I was used to, but I love the change," he said. The former Liverpool player admitted he’s enjoying every moment since his arrival: “I feel great and I’m happy to be here.”

A quick adaptation and a warm welcome

Beyond the football, Alexander-Arnold emphasized the warm reception he received in the Madrid dressing room. “I have no words to describe how welcomed I’ve felt. Everyone has taken the time to talk to me, to make sure I understand everything, especially with the translations. They’ve made me feel at home,” the defender confessed.

Even though the language barrier is a challenge, the Englishman assured that it hasn’t been a major issue. “The tactical meetings are all in Spanish, so that takes some getting used to, but day-to-day conversations are easier. I have a basic level of Spanish, and many of my teammates speak good English,” he explained confidently.

The arrival of Xabi Alonso to the bench has also marked a new chapter for Madrid. For Alexander-Arnold, the Basque coach represents a fresh start for everyone: “It doesn’t matter if you’re new or have been here for years, we’re all starting from scratch. We’re learning from him, absorbing his ideas, and excited for what’s to come.”

Dean Huijsen, another new name in the squad, also shared his thoughts. Speaking from the team’s training camp in Florida, the young defender highlighted the overall quality of the squad: “Once you’re inside, you truly realize the level these players have.”

Huijsen is fully focused on the team’s upcoming debut against Al Hilal, clearly stating the goal: “We’re Madrid, we have to win.” He also praised the squad’s humility and strong work ethic, as well as the desire to learn from Xabi Alonso.

Finally, the young center-back had words for Franco Mastantuono, who will join the team after the tournament with River Plate: “He has a lot of talent. We’ve all seen what he’s capable of.”