Trent Alexander-Arnold appears to be second-choice right-back at Real Madrid under Jose Mourinho with the Portuguese boss starting Denzel Dumfries over the former Liverpool man to begin the season
Mourinho
Jose Mourinho is reportedly set to give Alexander-Arnold his chance to start(Image: Getty Images)
Trent Alexander-Arnold could be given a chance to start for Real Madrid in their third La Liga game of the season with Jose Mourinho reportedly set to give the full-back his chance.
The Spanish giants signed Denzel Dumfries from Inter Milan this summer, a right-back who has joined the club and appears to have won the starting spot. This leaves Alexander-Arnold in a tough spot, after his first year with the club did not go as expected.
Alexander-Arnold had been behind Dani Carvajal for periods last term, with Dumfries starting the first two games of this season. Reports have suggested that Alexander-Arnold will start against Malaga on Monday. It comes as the former Liverpool defender was linked with a sensational move back to the club.
Mourinho knows he needs a big squad for the season ahead, with Real Madrid hoping to challenge for the Champions League as well as La Liga.
Alexander-Arnold will need to capitalize on the opportunity, knowing he needs a big season ahead to secure his future with the club.
Jose Mourinho has selected Denzel Dumfries ahead of Alexander-Arnold this season.
Jose Mourinho has selected Denzel Dumfries ahead of Alexander-Arnold this season.(Image: 2026 Getty Images)
He is believed to be one of Real Madrid's top earners after his move from the Reds in 2025, while failing to live up to the stardom many expected so far.
Alexander-Arnold played against Liverpool in the Champions League last season, being booed by home fans at Anfield.
He recently gave an interview speaking on that moment, while hoping the fans come around in the long-run.
“The booing and disappointment from Liverpool supporters is something I’m absolutely able to shoulder,” Alexander-Arnold told the Mirror. “I can understand it, in my own way."
"Online abuse, and the threats that come through private messages on social media, or by other means, are a sad part of life in 2026, if you are a public figure and doing things that draw a lot of attention."
Trent Alexander-Arnold of Real Madrid CF looks on during the Real Madrid training session held in collaboration with CD Leganes
Trent Alexander-Arnold discussed Liverpool in an interview(Image: (Photo By Dennis Agyeman/Europa Press via Getty Images))
He added: "I can accept that, knowing that it does not represent the football club I love, Liverpool, and does not represent my city.
"The whistling, and the disappointment from Liverpool fans, is something I can completely handle. I can understand it in my own way".
Some Liverpool fans want to see the club bring in a right-back, with Jeremie Frimpong looking set to be trusted in the role before Conor Bradley returns to the team in a few months time while recovering from his injuries.