Key Takeaways
- Real Madrid skipper Dani Carvajal was spotted on camera making fun of Trent Alexander-Arnold’s defensive efforts during the 1-1 draw with Real Betis
- The Spain international has lost his starting place to the Englishman and risks missing the World Cup due to a lack of playing time
- Manager Alvaro Arbeloa held crisis talks with Carvajal in March, but the latest footage proves tensions remain high at the Bernabeu
Real Madrid’s dressing room appears to be facing fresh turmoil after club captain Dani Carvajal was spotted ridiculing team-mate Trent Alexander-Arnold during Sunday’s stalemate with Real Betis.
Television cameras from broadcaster Movistar+ captured the Spain right-back making gestures from the substitute bench. The footage shows Carvajal apparently mocking Alexander-Arnold for his slow jog back to defend while Betis launched an attack at La Cartuja.
This incident highlights the ongoing friction within the squad. Carvajal has found himself on the sidelines since Alvaro Arbeloa took charge, with the former Liverpool defender now preferred in the starting eleven. The 34-year-old veteran has struggled for minutes despite recovering from two injury-plagued seasons.
The relationship between captain and manager has already shown cracks. Arbeloa organised clear-the-air discussions with Carvajal back in March. However, these efforts have failed to resolve the conflict, as evidenced by the latest footage.
The situation carries significant consequences for both players’ international futures. Carvajal risks missing Luis de la Fuente’s Spain squad for the upcoming World Cup due to his lack of club action. Meanwhile, Alexander-Arnold faces his own battle to convince England manager Thomas Tuchel to include him in the final 26-man selection after being dropped from the recent squad.
The Liverpool loanee has impressed going forward in recent weeks, though questions about his defensive work remain. Sunday’s incident suggests not all colleagues appreciate his contributions.