Is Trent in trouble?! Alexander-Arnold warned Mourinho ‘likes defenders to defend’ as Dumfries tipped to challenge for Real Madrid spot

Trent Alexander-Arnold has been warned that his place in Real Madrid’s starting XI could come under serious threat following Jose Mourinho’s expected return to the Santiago Bernabeu.

Former Premier League Golden Boot winner Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink believes Inter star Denzel Dumfries could become a major competitor for the right-back role if Mourinho prioritises defensive discipline over attacking creativity.

Mourinho’s arrival could change everything

According to reports, Mourinho travelled to Madrid this week to finalise his return to Real Madrid, with his official appointment expected to begin in July.

The Portuguese manager is already planning defensive reinforcements, with Inter’s Dumfries and Liverpool centre-back Ibrahima Konate reportedly among the club’s top transfer targets.

The renewed focus on defensive solidity has inevitably raised questions about how Alexander-Arnold fits into Mourinho’s plans.

While the England international remains one of the most gifted attacking full-backs in world football, his defensive qualities have often been scrutinised throughout his career.

Hasselbaink highlights key tactical concern

Speaking to 10bet, former Chelsea striker Hasselbaink explained why Mourinho’s coaching philosophy could favour a player such as Dumfries.

“If it’s Jose Mourinho, it is most likely that his chances are really big because Mourinho likes his defenders to defend first,” Hasselbaink said.

“We all know Trent’s quality, but Trent’s quality is going forward.

“So in a sense, if it is Mourinho, I think Dumfries will play quite a bit. But then on the other hand, it’s a great luxury for Mourinho to have because he’s got two completely different types of right-backs and he can go in different tactical directions.”

Competition rather than replacement

Despite the warning, Hasselbaink does not believe Alexander-Arnold will suddenly become a fringe player.

Instead, he sees healthy competition developing between two players who offer very different strengths.

“I still think that Trent will get a lot of game time. But yeah, there’s competition, and that’s normal at a big club,” he added.

Dumfries’ physicality, defensive awareness and attacking output have made him one of Europe’s most consistent wing-backs during his time at Inter, while Alexander-Arnold remains one of the game’s elite creators from deep positions.

Injuries increase pressure

Alexander-Arnold’s first season in Madrid has been disrupted by a series of muscle injuries, limiting his ability to establish complete consistency.

Those setbacks also contributed to his absence from England’s World Cup squad, placing additional scrutiny on his form heading into next season.

With Dani Carvajal departing at the end of June, Real Madrid are determined to ensure they possess sufficient depth and quality on the right side of defence.

No need for a Premier League return

Despite speculation surrounding his future, Hasselbaink believes Alexander-Arnold should remain patient and embrace the challenge of proving himself in Spain.

“No, I don’t think that he should [return to England],” he said.

“I think he should persevere and dig in.

“For England, it is very good that English players are playing abroad. Now you have Kane, Gordon, Rashford and Trent. I think it will only do England good.

“And for Trent, I think it is good for his character that things are not as easy as they were at Liverpool. He needs to show another side to his game, and yeah, he’s got pressure – a different kind of pressure.”

Big season ahead

With Mourinho expected to take charge and Real Madrid pursuing further defensive reinforcements, Alexander-Arnold could be facing the biggest challenge of his career.

Whether he adapts to the demands of a more defence-first system or finds himself rotating with Dumfries may become one of the defining storylines of Madrid’s upcoming campaign.