The former Liverpool right-back has had a mixed second season in Spain.
Trent Alexander-Arnold of Real Madrid CF looks on during the UEFA Champions League 2026/27 League Phase MD1 match between Real Madrid CF and FC Internazionale Milano at Berabeu stadium on September 08, 2026, in Madrid, Spain.
Trent Alexander-Arnold of Real Madrid CF looks on during the UEFA Champions League 2026/27 League Phase MD1 match between Real Madrid CF and FC Internazionale Milano at Berabeu stadium on September 08, 2026, in Madrid, Spain.
Trent Alexander-Arnold left Liverpool two summers ago to join Real Madrid, bringing an end to a spell on Merseyside that saw him become one of the club’s most successful graduates from the academy.
The England international had the chance to build a historic legacy at Anfield, having won the Premier League on two occasions and the Champions League with his boyhood club.
However, he opted for a new challenge in Spain, believing a move to Los Blancos would help him continue developing as a player.
So far, things have not quite gone to plan.
The former Liverpool star man has struggled to secure regular minutes since arriving at the Bernabeu, with competition for places making it difficult to establish himself.
The right-back has played 344 minutes across six appearances in all competitions this season, starting just three matches.
He has shown flashes of brilliance when given the chance, but Mourinho is clearly not the biggest fan of the player.
Now, another frustrating evening could be waiting for the 28-year-old.
According to Mundo Deportivo, Jose Mourinho has already decided on his starting eleven ahead of Real Madrid’s El Clasico meeting with Barcelona at the Camp Nou tonight.
The report suggests Federico Valverde is expected to continue at right-back, despite the alternative of playing Denzel Dumfries in defence and moving the Uruguayan further forward.
That would leave Alexander-Arnold facing another wait for his opportunity, with Mourinho seemingly preferring other options for one of the biggest fixtures in Spanish football.
There is also a decision to make at centre-back, although Ibrahima Konate is expected to start. Antonio Rudiger is reportedly favourite to partner the former Liverpool defender, potentially leaving Dean Huijsen on the bench.
That would add to the frustration for Trent Alexander-Arnold, who could once again watch on as his former Liverpool teammate enjoys a more prominent role in Spain.
The potential Real Madrid starting eleven is Lunin; Valverde, Rudiger, Konate, Cucurella; Bernardo Silva, Tchouameni; Arda Guler, Bellingham, Diomande; and Mbappe.
With Mourinho confirming that he has settled on his team, Alexander-Arnold will be hoping to make an impact if given the opportunity from the bench.
But continued appearances off the bench is far from the story he intended to write when he secured a move to Real Madrid.
It is a tale that once again proves that the grass isn’t always greener.
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