After expressing concern over Trent Alexander-Arnold’s challenging situation as the third choice right-back at Real Madrid, Jose Mourinho named the English player in the starting lineup for the match against Racing Santander in La Liga’s eleventh round.
Trent Alexander-Arnold, who left Liverpool, the club of his life, to join Madrid in 2025, has found himself as the third choice for the right-back position under Mourinho.
Federico Valverde had recently been starting in that role, having been repositioned from his usual central midfield position. When Valverde was unavailable, Mourinho opted for Denzel Dumfries, a more physically imposing defender focused on defensive duties compared to Alexander-Arnold.
During the pre-match press conference for the game against Racing Santander, Mourinho addressed Alexander-Arnold’s situation and the rumors suggesting the player might seek a winter transfer due to dissatisfaction with his current standing at the club.
Mourinho provided a thorough response, expressing that he empathizes with Alexander-Arnold’s plight. The next day, he decided to start the player in the absence of Valverde, who was sidelined due to injury.
Jose Mourinho Starts Trent Alexander-Arnold, Acknowledging His Difficult Position
“First and foremost, it pains me. I dislike creating negative feelings for players; rather, I prefer to foster positive ones. When you build a squad with two players in the same position and utilize a third, it’s not ideal. However, there are more important factors than personal sentiments; the team’s needs must be prioritized at times,” the Real Madrid coach stated.
Mourinho explained his decision to shift Valverde to the right-back role, saying, “I thought it was the right moment to adjust the midfield and introduce Fede there. But I always consider the team, not just individual players.”
According to Mourinho, both Trent and Dumfries reacted positively when he clarified that the decision was made for the benefit of the team and not against them.
“Ultimately, everyone will play. Tomorrow, Valverde won’t start, but one of the others will. I doubt anyone will ask to leave. With so many matches, accumulated cards, fatigue, and some injuries, everyone will get a chance to play,” Mourinho concluded.
This match marks only the eighth appearance of the season for Alexander-Arnold, with five of those being starts.
