Mourinho’s tactical trial puts Real Madrid’s right-back battle in focus

Jose Mourinho has used Real Madrid’s pre-season preparations to keep the competition for key positions open, with Denzel Dumfries and Trent Alexander-Arnold vying for prominence at right-back.

Dumfries joined from Inter Milan in a deal initially worth 20m euros and was expected to provide an alternative to Alexander-Arnold, easing the workload on the England international during a demanding campaign, according to Marca.

The Dutchman’s arrival appeared to offer Real Madrid an ideal option to strengthen the squad, while Alexander-Arnold was expected to remain one of Mourinho’s most important defensive players after an inconsistent first season at the club.

However, Alexander-Arnold’s limited involvement in Real Madrid’s first three friendly matches has left his position uncertain. He now faces strong competition from Dumfries as Mourinho attempts to rebuild his side with several players absent because of the World Cup.

The right-back position has become one of the clearest areas of competition during that process, with both players being tested in different roles and combinations.

Against Fiorentina, Alexander-Arnold started at right-back while Dumfries played ahead of him on the wing. The England international completed the match, while Dumfries was replaced in the 75th minute.

Mourinho reversed those roles in the second game, against Ferencvaros. Dumfries started, with Alexander-Arnold introduced after half-time.

The same approach was used in the third match, against Deportivo La Coruna, although the positions were adjusted again. Dumfries began on the wing, Alexander-Arnold returned after the interval at right-back, and the former Inter Milan player stayed on the pitch for the full 90 minutes.

Dumfries’ versatility has given him a slight advantage at the start of the season, despite the fact that he has not produced his best performances during pre-season. His physical style also fits the type of player Mourinho has often sought to turn into a combative, determined presence.

Alexander-Arnold, meanwhile, has appeared highly focused and comfortable, and is eager to prove himself at Real Madrid after enduring a difficult first campaign.

The uncertainty is not confined to the right side of defence. Mourinho has also kept the contest for the central striking role unresolved, with playing time shared almost equally between Endrick and Carlos Espe in Real Madrid’s final two matches.

Rather than settle on a preferred line-up, the Portuguese manager has continued to alter both his personnel and formations. That approach has ensured that every player remains involved in a fight for selection until the closing stages of pre-season.

The final decisions over the right-back position and the identity of the reserve striker have yet to be made. For Mourinho, that lack of certainty is a valuable tool as he looks to extract the maximum from a Real Madrid side that is still taking shape.

Dumfries’ ability to operate both defensively and further forward has so far strengthened his claim, while Alexander-Arnold’s determination gives Mourinho another compelling option. With neither player having been granted a decisive advantage, the competition is likely to remain a central feature of the team’s preparations.