Alexander-Arnold’s Real Madrid role shrinks as Valverde moves ahead

Trent Alexander-Arnold has started only four of Real Madrid’s 13 matches this season, with BBC Sport reporting that the England right-back has slipped to third choice as manager José Mourinho favours Federico Valverde in the position.

The 28-year-old has played in seven games, recording one assist, but featured for only a few minutes in the recent Clasico and did not play against Roma, Sevilla or RB Leipzig. Real signed him from Liverpool in June 2025, paying €10m to secure his early release. His contract runs until 2031.

Alexander-Arnold’s first season in Madrid was disrupted by hamstring and thigh injuries. He made 21 La Liga appearances, starting 14, as Real also changed managers. Mourinho took over after Xabi Alonso and Álvaro Arbeloa.

Mourinho has acknowledged that leaving players out can be difficult, but said he chose Valverde at right-back because he believed it was best for the team. He has also praised Alexander-Arnold’s tactical understanding and used him in central midfield alongside Valverde against Inter Milan.

Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher said he would welcome Alexander-Arnold back to Anfield, arguing that Liverpool had missed his creativity. Carragher also said the player’s place in Madrid’s pecking order suggested he might be encouraged to leave. That is Carragher’s view; Mourinho has not said Alexander-Arnold should move on.

The immediate question is whether Alexander-Arnold can earn more minutes in Real’s next three matches before the international break. England manager Thomas Tuchel is due to name his squad on 6 November for Nations League games against Croatia and Spain. Alexander-Arnold returned to the squad in September after an absence dating to June 2025, but his limited club playing time may weigh on his prospects.