More than 14 months after leaving Liverpool for Real Madrid, Trent Alexander-Arnold will soon begin his second season with the Spanish club under a third manager in Jose Mourinho.
The 27-year-old right-back arrived with huge expectations.
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When signing him, Real Madrid regarded him as one of the most versatile defenders in the world and one who could influence games through his passing range, crossing ability and experience in managing high-pressure moments.
However, his first season was disrupted by injuries, managerial changes and the difficulty of adapting to a new league and environment as he failed to make England’s World Cup squad.
Now, after encouraging signs during pre-season, Alexander-Arnold will hope to finally establish himself as a key figure in the Spanish capital in the forthcoming campaign.
Injuries and inconsistency
Alexander-Arnold made 21 La Liga appearances for Real Madrid in 2025-26 [Getty Images]
Real Madrid paid Liverpool a reported 10m euros (£8.4m) for Alexander-Arnold, releasing him from his contract on 1 June 2025, a month early.
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But an eagerly awaited debut campaign never reached the heights many expected.
Two separate injuries affected him. A hamstring issue last September sidelined him for seven weeks, while a thigh problem in December kept him out for a further two months.
That denied Alexander-Arnold the sustained run of games needed to build momentum and a connection with supporters.
Overall, he featured in 35 of Real Madrid’s 62 matches across all competitions last season, but was not first choice, starting 27 times as he shared the right-back role with club legend Dani Carvajal.
However, the defensive doubts that plagued him throughout his Liverpool career remained part of the conversation in Madrid – even as his quality in possession continued to stand out.
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He showed glimpses of his undoubted ability, but there was a feeling among some supporters that they had not yet seen enough of Alexander-Arnold to judge his impact.
By the end of a season which had Xabi Alonso and Alvaro Arbeloa in charge of Real as they failed to win a major trophy, he had begun to show signs of his best form – finishing the campaign strongly before thanking supporters for their backing in a message on social media.
“Madridistas you have welcomed me with open arms.” he wrote. “From the first day I arrived you have had my back. It took me a few months to find rhythm and settle in the new environment but I feel completely at home now.
“I will take a good break and put the work in over the summer. I promise we will bring trophies back to this amazing club next season.”
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‘It’s intense’ – working with Mourinho
Alexander-Arnold played 90 minutes against Fiorentina and Leganes in pre-season [Getty Images]
As one of only a handful of Real players who did not feature at the World Cup, Alexander-Arnold has enjoyed a full pre-season under new boss Mourinho, who replaced Arbeloa in June for a second spell at the Bernabeu.
BBC Sport understands the Portuguese has been impressed by the England international’s performances, values and the versatility he brings to the squad.
Mourinho views Alexander-Arnold 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.
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Alexander-Arnold has also spoken positively about the opportunity to work with the ex-Chelsea, Manchester United and Tottenham manager, describing it as a privilege.
“I have always admired the coach,” he said. “I’ve played against him a couple of times, and it’s a pleasure to work with him and his team.
“It’s intense. The principles and the level of demand are very high, so I’m looking forward to seeing how, the more we get to know each other, the more we learn and the more he can teach us.
“We’re all willing and eager to learn and improve. I’m sure he’ll teach us many things and help us win trophies this year.”
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Crucial season to come
Real Madrid signed Netherlands full-back Denzel Dumfries on a four-year deal [Getty Images]
Competition for places is nothing new at Real Madrid, where virtually every position is contested by world-class players.
While Carvajal has left after his contract expired, the arrival of Denzel Dumfries from Inter Milan will maintain the challenge Alexander-Arnold faces for a starting place.
The Netherlands international, 30, offers physicality, athleticism and defensive solidity.
However, during their recent 2-2 friendly draw with Fiorentina, Mourinho chose to start both players – Alexander-Arnold operating at right-back, while Dumfries played further forward on the same side.
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Alexander-Arnold also took responsibility for set-pieces and moved into midfield areas during build-up play, highlighting the tactical flexibility Mourinho may want from him.
A crucial season ahead
The increased competition may also provide the motivation for Alexander-Arnold to rediscover the form that made him one of Liverpool’s most influential players during a period where the Reds lifted the Premier League, Champions League and Club World Cup.
Consistency will be the key for him as Mourinho looks to shape a squad capable of challenging for domestic and European success again.
For Alexander-Arnold, this season will also represent a great chance to establish himself at the club and force his way back into Thomas Tuchel’s England plans.
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