Alexander-Arnold’s role at Real Madrid shrinks as right-back competition intensifies

Trent Alexander-Arnold’s future at Real Madrid has become uncertain after the England right-back slipped to third choice in the position, with Federico Valverde and Denzel Dumfries now ahead of him in the pecking order.

Alexander-Arnold has made only one appearance since 15 September, playing against Villarreal before being substituted in the 52nd minute. He also made a brief appearance in the El Clasico, but has otherwise seen his involvement severely limited.

According to Spanish newspaper Sport, manager Jose Mourinho prefers players who offer greater physical strength, such as Valverde and Dumfries. That has left Alexander-Arnold mainly competing for places in matches where Mourinho believes Real Madrid will have a significant advantage.

The pattern is reflected in his away record. The former Liverpool player has started only one match away from Real Madrid’s home ground this season, with that appearance coming against Elche.

Alexander-Arnold has played seven matches in total, accumulating just 344 minutes. Dumfries, by comparison, has made three more appearances, started three more games and played close to 600 minutes.

A difficult start in Madrid

Alexander-Arnold joined Real Madrid with considerable expectations after being regarded as one of the best players in his position in world football.

The Spanish club paid 10m euros to secure his arrival and make him available for the Club World Cup, despite his Liverpool contract being due to expire only a few days later.

His adaptation to the team has not been straightforward. During his first season, he played 30 matches and started 22 of them, but produced performances of inconsistent quality.

Only a year later, Real Madrid recognised the need to place greater faith in Dumfries at right-back, while Valverde continued to demonstrate that he could make an impact from the right side.

The situation is a significant departure from the ambitions Alexander-Arnold expressed shortly before leaving Liverpool. At that time, the defender spoke about his desire to win the Ballon d’Or. Since moving to Real Madrid, however, his circumstances have changed considerably and his position at the club is now under scrutiny.

Neither the player nor Real Madrid is currently considering ending their relationship. However, Sport reports that the lack of regular football could lead both parties to reassess Alexander-Arnold’s future in the Spanish capital in the medium term.