Sports
By Elizabeth Conway
Trent Alexander-Arnold enters his second season at Real Madrid with an opportunity to establish himself as a key player under new manager Jose Mourinho.
The England international joined Madrid from Liverpool in June 2025 for a reported 10 million euros (£8.4 million), arriving with a reputation as one of the world’s most gifted attacking full-backs.
However, his first season was disrupted by injuries, managerial changes and the challenge of adapting to Spanish football.
Alexander-Arnold featured in 35 of Real Madrid’s 62 matches in all competitions, starting 27 times as he shared the right-back position with Dani Carvajal.
Two injuries further disrupted his campaign.
A hamstring problem kept him out for seven weeks last September, while a thigh injury in December ruled him out for another two months.
Despite the setbacks, his passing range, crossing ability and set-piece delivery remained among his major strengths.
His defensive consistency, however, continued to attract scrutiny, echoing some of the concerns raised during his Liverpool career.
By the end of the campaign, Alexander-Arnold appeared increasingly settled in Madrid and finished the season with improved performances.
Writing to supporters, he acknowledged that it had taken time to adapt to his new surroundings.
He said he now felt completely at home and promised to work hard to help the club win trophies in the new season.
Mourinho opportunity
Alexander-Arnold has enjoyed a full pre-season after being among the Real Madrid players who did not participate in the World Cup.
That has given him valuable time to work with Mourinho, who returned to the Bernabeu in June for a second spell.
Mourinho is understood to appreciate Alexander-Arnold’s versatility and ability to operate beyond the traditional role of a right-back.
His capacity to move into central areas, dictate play, deliver through balls and contribute to attacking moves could make him an important component of Mourinho’s tactical plans.
Alexander-Arnold has also welcomed the opportunity to work with Mourinho, describing it as a privilege.
He has praised the manager’s high standards and demanding approach, saying the squad is eager to learn and improve under his leadership.
The defender’s pre-season performances have offered further encouragement.
He played the full 90 minutes against both Fiorentina and Leganes, suggesting he is building the fitness and consistency required for a sustained campaign.
Dumfries provides competition
Competition for the right-back position remains intense.
Carvajal has departed following the expiration of his contract, but Real Madrid have strengthened the position with the signing of Netherlands international Denzel Dumfries from Inter Milan.
Dumfries provides physical strength, athleticism and defensive solidity, qualities that could challenge Alexander-Arnold for regular starts.
Mourinho, however, has already shown that he could use both players in the same line-up.
During Real Madrid’s 2-2 friendly draw with Fiorentina, Alexander-Arnold started at right-back while Dumfries operated further forward on the same flank.
The arrangement allowed Alexander-Arnold to move into midfield during build-up play while retaining responsibility for set-pieces.
Such tactical flexibility could become an important feature of Mourinho’s system.
Chance to reclaim England place
For Alexander-Arnold, the coming campaign carries significance beyond club football.
The 27-year-old missed England’s World Cup squad after an interrupted first season in Spain.
A consistent campaign at Real Madrid could strengthen his prospects of returning to Thomas Tuchel’s plans.
The challenge will be maintaining fitness, improving his defensive consistency and translating his considerable technical ability into regular match-winning performances.
After winning the Premier League, Champions League and Club World Cup with Liverpool, Alexander-Arnold knows what success at the highest level requires.
His second season in Madrid could determine whether he becomes a central figure in Mourinho’s plans or remains a talented player struggling to secure a permanent place in the starting XI.
With a full pre-season behind him and a manager who appears to value his versatility, Alexander-Arnold has a fresh opportunity to make his mark at one of the world’s biggest clubs.(BBC Sports)
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Tags: Real Marid Season