Dumfries moves ahead of Alexander-Arnold in Mourinho’s Real Madrid pecking order

Denzel Dumfries has emerged as Jose Mourinho’s first-choice right-back at Real Madrid after starting five of the club’s opening six matches of the season, leaving Trent Alexander-Arnold facing a clear battle for the position.

According to Spanish newspaper Marca, Alexander-Arnold, who joined Real Madrid from Liverpool last season, has started only one match at right-back so far.

The England international did feature against Inter, but Mourinho used him as a defensive midfielder rather than at full-back. That role offered Alexander-Arnold the chance to make use of his shooting ability and his quality when initiating attacks from deep, although he struggled during the game against the Italian side.

Mourinho valued his contribution, but the decision also highlighted the current uncertainty over whether Alexander-Arnold is the best fit for the right side of defence.

For now, the Real Madrid manager appears to favour Dumfries’ blend of attacking threat, physical strength and defensive resilience. The Netherlands international is more disciplined without the ball, strong in challenges and possesses the athletic qualities Mourinho considers ideal for the powerful, fast team he is trying to build.

Alexander-Arnold offers a superior range of passing and a different attacking dimension. His ability to switch play and deliver accurate long passes is unmatched by most full-backs, but defensive limitations have remained a consistent concern.

Mourinho is unwilling to compromise in a position he considers particularly sensitive, and has therefore opted for Dumfries’ reliability at the beginning of the campaign.

Alexander-Arnold, meanwhile, has yet to fully settle in the Spanish capital. His first season in the white shirt was difficult and included several fitness problems that prevented him from finding a consistent run of appearances.

A lack of rhythm and an uncertain role within the team also affected him and resulted in his omission from the World Cup. He began the new season hoping to re-establish himself, but has found Dumfries significantly more secure in Mourinho’s plans.

The competition on the right has not followed the same rotation pattern as the one on the left. On that side, Carreras has continued to receive starts despite the arrival of Cucurella, while Mourinho has shared the playing time more evenly.

On the right, however, Dumfries has been clearly ahead of Alexander-Arnold from the outset and has effectively claimed the position.

The two consecutive matches scheduled this week could provide further clues, although the direction of the contest already appears clear. Dumfries is expected to start against Atletico in a highly demanding fixture, with Mourinho likely to depend on his defensive strength.

The more significant question concerns the match against Elche, who are considered a less difficult opponent on paper and against whom Mourinho may make several changes. That could create an opportunity for Alexander-Arnold, although Dumfries still holds the advantage even in that scenario.

The Dutchman has earned Mourinho’s trust, and for now the right-back position at Real Madrid belongs firmly to him.