New season, new boss: Can Alexander-Arnold become Real Madrid's key man?

More than 14 months after leaving Liverpool for Real Madrid, Trent Alexander-Arnold is preparing for his second season at the Bernabeu under a third manager. Jose Mourinho, who replaced Alvaro Arbeloa in June for a second spell at the club, is now the man charged with getting the best out of the England defender. The 27-year-old right-back arrived with huge expectations. Real Madrid regarded him as one of the most versatile defenders in the world, a player who could dictate games with his passing range, crossing and experience in high-pressure moments. Instead, his first season was disrupted by injuries, a change in the dugout and the challenge of adapting to a new league. Real Madrid paid Liverpool a reported €10m (£8.4m) for Alexander-Arnold, with his contract released on 1 June 2025, a month early. A hamstring injury last September sidelined him for seven weeks, and a thigh problem in December kept him out for another two months. As a result, he featured in 35 of Real Madrid's 62 matches across all competitions, starting 27, and shared the right-back role with Dani Carvajal. He also failed to make England's World Cup squad. There were flashes of his undoubted quality, but the defensive doubts from his Liverpool days followed him to Madrid. Still, he finished the campaign strongly after a difficult season in which Xabi Alonso and Alvaro Arbeloa took charge and the club failed to win a major trophy. In a message to supporters, he wrote: "Madridistas you have welcomed me with open arms. From the first day I arrived you have had my back." He was one of only a handful of Real Madrid players not involved at the World Cup, allowing him a full pre-season under Mourinho. It is understood the Portuguese has been impressed with the 27-year-old's performances and versatility. Mourinho sees him as different from many traditional full-backs because of his ability to move into central areas and contribute to attacks from midfield positions. His passing, crossing, through balls and set-piece delivery remain among the strongest parts of his game. Alexander-Arnold has spoken positively about working with the former Chelsea, Manchester United and Tottenham manager. "I have always admired the coach," he said. "It's intense. The principles and the level of demand are very high." Competition for his place is as fierce as ever. Dani Carvajal has left after his contract expired, but Denzel Dumfries has arrived from Inter Milan. The Netherlands international, 30, adds physicality, athleticism and defensive solidity. In the 2-2 friendly draw with Fiorentina, Mourinho started both players - Alexander-Arnold at right-back and Dumfries further forward on the same side. Now the real question is whether Alexander-Arnold can finally make that position his own over the coming season.