Dani Carvajal appeared to make a walking gesture from the Real Madrid bench during the 1-1 draw with Real Betis, with suggestions on social media that it was aimed at Trent Alexander-Arnold
Real Madrid and England defender Trent Alexander-Arnold is under renewed pressure after claims that teammate Dani Carvajal mocked the full-back. In footage that has surfaced following their 1-1 draw with Real Betis, it has been alleged that Carvajal, 34, targeted his colleague over his defensive work rate.
The Spain international can be observed making a walking motion with his fingers on his leg while watching from the substitutes’ bench.
While there is nothing definitive concerning why the 34-year-old performed the gesture, the theory that has circulated on social media is that it was directed at Alexander-Arnold’s defensive positioning as opponents launched counter-attacks.
Alexander-Arnold, who completed a transfer from Liverpool to Los Blancos in the summer, has been favoured by interim boss Alvaro Arbeloa in each of the previous five fixtures. However, should the speculation prove accurate, it would indicate that tensions are simmering at the Spanish giants.
Video evidence shows Carvajal looking over, exchanging words, sporting a bemused expression, pointing to the pitch before copying a walking motion with his body.
JOIN US ON FB! Get all the best sports news and much more on our Facebook page
The footage cuts to match highlights and focuses on Alexander-Arnold as he comes off second best in a challenge before Betis string together three passes and surge down the right wing, reports the Mirror.
Arbeloa was compelled to dismiss suggestions of a falling-out with Carvajal after last fielding the 34-year-old in the 3-2 triumph over Atletico Madrid at the end of March.
He said: “You can see, since I’ve been here, what my answers have been about him, and you can ask my players how I speak about Dani Carvajal with the group.
“People are trying to put an unjustified, unfair spin on this. He’s more than ready to go to the World Cup. He’s started games for us, and he’s done well. He’s a fundamental player, on and off the pitch, and for the national team it should be the same.
“He might be the most important academy product in the history of the club. I’ve always had a great relationship with him. It’s hard for me to believe any coach would pick a team for non-sporting reasons.”
The former Liverpool defender added: “Trent Alexander-Arnold is showing a great level. His performance is beyond doubt. Right now he deserves to play, and when he hasn’t played, Carvajal has done well. I’m not a coach to gift a minute to anyone.”
Madrid saw their aspirations of closing the gap to Barcelona in the title chase ended when former Arsenal defender Hector Bellerin scored a 94th-minute leveller.
It leaves the Spanish giants 11 points adrift after Marcus Rashford’s strike sealed a vital 2-0 triumph at Getafe to stretch Barca’s lead.
Having been knocked out of the Champions League by Bayern Munich and the Copa del Rey by second division outfit Albacete, Madrid’s trophy ambitions are decreasing.