Trent Alexander-Arnold’s transition to Real Madrid has proven challenging during the current campaign. The English full-back arrived at the Spanish club in June 2025 with expectations of becoming the primary right-back, but he has found himself third in the pecking order behind both Denzel Dumfries and Federico Valverde, a midfielder deployed in the position. Through 13 matches played this season, Alexander-Arnold has featured in seven, started in four, and recorded just one assist—coming in a 4-0 victory over Malaga. His involvement has diminished notably in recent weeks, as he did not feature in matches against Roma, Sevilla, or RB Leipzig and appeared for only a couple of minutes in the Clasico as a late substitute.
Real Madrid invested significantly in securing Alexander-Arnold’s services, paying 10 million euros to facilitate his early departure from Liverpool rather than waiting for his contract to expire. His contract at Madrid extends through 2031, yet his future at the club remains uncertain. Alexander-Arnold’s debut season has been marked by setbacks, including a hamstring injury in September and a thigh injury in December, as well as a muscle issue during pre-season preparation. He made 21 La Liga appearances in 2025-26 out of a possible 38, with 14 starts, unable to establish consistency due to injuries and other factors.
Manager Jose Mourinho has acknowledged the difficulty of selection decisions while defending his team-focused approach. Mourinho previously noted that Alexander-Arnold’s tactical intelligence and versatility could be valuable in multiple positions, as demonstrated when the defender played in central midfield alongside Valverde in a September match against Inter Milan. The manager has emphasized that squad rotation and maintaining player motivation remain priorities, though he maintains that team needs supersede individual considerations. Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher suggested Alexander-Arnold’s move to Madrid may have been a mistake, noting his own willingness to welcome the player back to Merseyside.
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