Real Madrid Adjusts Tactics as Alexander-Arnold Begins Second Season Under Mourinho
After an injury-interrupted debut season in Spain, Trent Alexander-Arnold prepares for a new tactical role under Jose Mourinho. The defender aims to secure a starting position following a campaign where he shared duties with Dani Carvajal.
Key takeaways
- Trent Alexander-Arnold's debut season at Real Madrid was restricted to 27 starts due to hamstring and thigh injuries.
- New manager Jose Mourinho intends to utilize Alexander-Arnold's versatility in central midfield positions rather than strictly at right-back.
- Real Madrid is looking to rebound from a trophy-less season under previous managers Xabi Alonso and Alvaro Arbeloa.
What Happened
Trent Alexander-Arnold is entering his second season at Real Madrid following a transfer from Liverpool valued at 10 million euros. His first year at the Bernabeu was marked by limited consistency due to physical setbacks. A hamstring injury in September sidelined him for seven weeks, followed by a thigh injury in December that resulted in a two-month absence. Consequently, he appeared in 35 of the club's 62 matches, starting in 27 of those fixtures.
The defender faced criticism regarding his defensive contributions, a narrative that persisted from his time in England, despite demonstrating high technical proficiency in possession. Under the previous management of Xabi Alonso and Alvaro Arbeloa, Real Madrid failed to secure a major trophy, leading to the appointment of Jose Mourinho in June.
Background
Alexander-Arnold joined Real Madrid on June 1, 2025, after being released from his Liverpool contract one month early. During his first campaign, he operated primarily at right-back, often rotating with veteran Dani Carvajal. Despite the lack of silverware for the team, he ended the season with a period of improved form, publicly stating he had finally found his rhythm in the new environment.
What Happens Next
With Mourinho returning for a second spell as manager, the tactical outlook for Alexander-Arnold appears to be shifting. Having missed the World Cup, the England international completed a full pre-season under the new coaching staff. Mourinho has expressed interest in the player's versatility, specifically his capacity to transition from full-back into central midfield roles to influence attacking play.
The player has described the new training environment as intense, citing high demands from Mourinho's staff. The objective for the upcoming season is a return to trophy-winning form, with Alexander-Arnold expected to utilize his specialized skills in passing and set-piece delivery in a more central or hybrid capacity.
Key Facts
- Real Madrid paid approximately 8.4 million pounds to secure Alexander-Arnold from Liverpool.
- The player missed a total of 15 weeks during his first season due to two separate leg injuries.
- He started 27 games across all competitions in the 2024-25 season.
- Jose Mourinho replaced Alvaro Arbeloa as Real Madrid manager in June.
- The club failed to win a major trophy during the 2024-25 campaign.
Sources reviewed
Project Chintan independently synthesized and analyzed information cross-checked across the sources listed above.
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