Alexander-Arnold’s attacking masterclass for Real Madrid overshadowed by renewed defensive concerns in Leganes friendly

Trent Alexander-Arnold produced a devastating attacking display but again found his defensive positioning under scrutiny as Real Madrid beat Leganes 4-1 in a pre-season friendly.

The England international, starting on the right of defence, was central to three of Real Madrid’s four goals in their second warm-up match ahead of the new campaign. Yet the only strike Los Blancos conceded came from his flank, reviving the long-running debate over his work without the ball.

According to Spanish newspaper Sport, Alexander-Arnold underlined precisely why Real Madrid pushed hard to sign him, with new head coach Jose Mourinho granting him near-total freedom to join the attack. The 27-year-old responded by becoming one of the most influential players in the final third.

His impact was decisive in building Real’s commanding lead. First, he spotted the run of Gonzalo Garcia and, from the halfway line, delivered a precise, raking long pass that sent the young forward clear to score Madrid’s second goal.

After the interval, Alexander-Arnold stepped inside and unleashed a powerful long-range effort which the goalkeeper could only parry, allowing Franco Mastantuono to pounce on the rebound and increase the advantage. Later in the half, he drove forward again down the right and delivered a dangerous low cross that Leganes defender Ruben Pulido turned into his own net to complete the 4-1 scoreline.

Those three actions encapsulated the offensive qualities that have defined Alexander-Arnold’s career – vision, passing range and final-ball quality – and illustrated why Mourinho views him as a key weapon for creating chances from the right side.

Defensive flaw resurfaces

But the second half also brought the type of moment Alexander-Arnold is desperate to eradicate. With Real Madrid well on top, Naheem Garcia found ample space on the Englishman’s side to cut inside before curling a superb shot into the far corner via the post, registering Leganes’ only goal.

The move once again highlighted Alexander-Arnold’s vulnerability in one-on-one defensive situations, a weakness that has followed him from previous seasons and remains a talking point despite his attacking output.

The timing of that lapse was particularly sensitive. Watching from the stands at Valdebebas was Denzel Dumfries, Real Madrid’s new signing, who had completed his medical only hours earlier and taken part in his first training session with the club, alongside Ferland Mendy and Thiago Petarch.

Dumfries, the Netherlands international right-back, offers a markedly different profile. He is known for his physical strength, defensive aggression and ability to cover large spaces – attributes that historically align closely with Mourinho’s preferences for full-backs.

Battle for the right-back role

With Dumfries expected to make his first appearance for Real Madrid in the next friendly, against Fiorentina, the message about competition on the right side of defence is clear.

Alexander-Arnold has already shown he can be an elite attacking outlet for Real Madrid and a major contributor to their chance creation. His immediate task, however, will be to convince Mourinho that he can also provide the defensive reliability required at the highest level, as pressure grows from a new rival whose strengths lie in exactly those areas.