It took some time for him to get going, but Trent Alexander- Arnold, Real Madrid's 10 million euro signing at the right back position, eventually became the clear solution at the position and came into his own with his creative range of passing. Had Real's front line, particularly Kylian Mbappe, been more present and clinical in those final months of the season, Trent's efforts would have been more appreciated statistically in the form of assists and highlight reel moments.
Real Madrid signed Trent, in spite of questions about his health and defensive work, because of his technical quality and ability to come up with moments. Though with Dani Carvajal leaving after a horrendous season - having not really provided Trent with much competition for the spot anyway - Real Madrid had to bring in a new right back. Initially, they were only going to go after a clear backup, but incoming manager Jose Mourinho suddenly demanded one of the best right backs in the world, Denzel Dumfries from Serie A champions Inter Milan.
Trent is still expected to have the edge for the starting job, but Dumfries is also a world class right back with even better athletic traits than Trent - and he is not shabby as a technician either. Plus, Dumfries was Mourinho's pick, and when you are hand chosen by a manager, especially one with the self belief of a Jose Mourinho, then you have an advantage; there is no doubt about it.
Trent Alexander-Arnold has to watch his back
Well while Trent Alexander-Arnold is sitting at home and watching the 2026 World Cup thanks to Thomas Tuchel, he is getting to see how Denzel Dumfries puts him on notice for his job. Dumfries had two assists for the Dutch national team in their 5-1 blowout win over Sweden, giving teammates two identical, clear cut chances in the six yard box in front of goal with pin point low crosses that left the defense totally dead.
Dumfries made a living at Inter Milan off bombastic, marauding runs from the right flank, setting up goals and destabilizing defenses with his incisive runs into the box. He provided a clinic in that regard against Sweden, and beyond the two assists to hand the game to the Netherlands, Dumfries played well defensively, too, never tested by the opponent with four combined tackles and interceptions.
A robust two way right back, Dumfries is going to be very stiff competition for Trent to deal with in 2026/27, and Trent's future status as a starter in the squad has been very much put on notice.
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