Trent Alexander-Arnold could face an unexpected battle for his Real Madrid place after manager Jose Mourinho began considering Denzel Dumfries as his preferred right-back for the new season.
Spanish newspaper AS reports that Mourinho has been increasingly impressed by Dumfries, who joined Real Madrid from Inter Milan, and is considering giving the Netherlands international the starting role on the right side of defence.
The change in thinking follows Real Madrid’s friendly against Fiorentina, where the manager experimented with a system involving two full-backs. The results were mixed, but the match appears to have strengthened Mourinho’s belief that Dumfries may be better suited to the defensive demands of his tactical approach.
Alexander-Arnold spent the whole of last season with Real Madrid, but a series of injuries prevented him from establishing himself as an undisputed first-choice player. His fitness problems have opened the door for Dumfries to compete seriously for the position.
Mourinho is known for placing particular emphasis on defensive organisation and strength, and the report says he regards Dumfries as the player who best fits that philosophy. The Dutchman is considered to offer greater defensive security than Alexander-Arnold, potentially giving Real Madrid more balance in difficult matches.
Alexander-Arnold’s main strengths lie in his control of possession and his ability to combine with midfielders when Real Madrid build attacks. However, his limited defensive contribution has become more of a concern when opponents use dangerous wingers, leaving him in a difficult position in Mourinho’s plans.
The Portuguese manager could therefore use Alexander-Arnold in matches where Real Madrid need to dominate the ball and create attacks from deep. Dumfries, meanwhile, may become the leading option for major games in which defensive solidity is regarded as the priority.
Such a division of responsibilities would represent a serious setback for Alexander-Arnold. He moved to Real Madrid in search of an established starting role, but he has yet to secure that status and could find himself on the substitutes’ bench for some of the club’s most important fixtures.
The full picture is not expected to emerge until the coming weeks, when competitive matches begin and Mourinho finalises his preferred line-up. For now, though, Alexander-Arnold appears to be facing one of the most demanding tests of his Real Madrid career, with his position in the side under significant pressure.
Dumfries’ potential promotion would also give Mourinho a clear tactical alternative on the right flank. While Alexander-Arnold can help control matches through his passing and movement into midfield, Dumfries would provide the defensive resilience the manager believes is essential against the strongest opposition.
A final decision has not yet been confirmed, and the friendly against Fiorentina does not determine how Real Madrid will line up once the season begins. But the direction of Mourinho’s thinking has created fresh uncertainty for Alexander-Arnold and a major opportunity for Dumfries.
