Third-choice? Inside Alexander-Arnold’s struggles in Madrid
Trent Alexander-Arnold is struggling to secure a regular place at Real Madrid, where manager Jose Mourinho appears to prefer Fede Valverde at right-back and Denzel Dumfries is also competing for the position. The England international joined in June 2025 hoping to become first choice, but his limited role has raised questions about how the club plans to use him and whether he could leave.
He has played in seven of Real’s 13 matches this season, starting four and recording one assist; in the past four games, he was absent from three and played only a few minutes in the Clasico. Real paid €10m (£8.33m) to bring him in early from Liverpool, and his contract runs to 2031. Injuries and changes of manager disrupted his first season, when he made 21 La Liga appearances, including 14 starts; Mourinho has said team needs take priority when making difficult selection decisions.
In short
- Alexander-Arnold is struggling for starts at Real Madrid.
- Valverde and Dumfries add competition at right-back.
- Injuries and managerial changes disrupted his first season.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Real Madrid can reasonably prioritise the team’s immediate needs over a new signing’s expected role: Valverde may offer qualities Mourinho considers better suited to the current system, while competition can help maintain standards. Alexander-Arnold’s disrupted first season and limited recent availability may also justify a gradual approach, especially with a long contract that gives the club time to assess his fit.
The case against
A €10m early move and a contract through 2031 suggest Real saw Alexander-Arnold as an important part of their plans, so his sparse recent minutes raise fair questions about recruitment and communication. His creative ability and experience could be underused if the club does not give him a sustained chance in his natural role, while continued uncertainty may harm both his development and England prospects.
Explained simply
Real Madrid is one of Spain’s biggest football clubs, and its manager chooses the team for each match. Right-back is a defensive position on the right side of the back line; players in that role may also be expected to help create attacks. Fede Valverde is a versatile midfielder who has also played there, while Denzel Dumfries is another right-back.
Alexander-Arnold joined Madrid from Liverpool in June 2025 after becoming known for his passing and attacking play from defence. His contract runs until 2031, and Madrid paid a fee to bring him to the club early. His place in the team matters to both his role at Madrid and his prospects with England, where regular playing time can affect a player’s chances of selection.