Trent Alexander-Arnold’s time at Real Madrid takes a tough hit as Jose Mourinho gives a harsh criticism
Jose Mourinho might have put Trent Alexander-Arnold in a tough spot after choosing not to play him in Real Madrid’s 4-1 win over Sevilla. The team shone at the Santiago Bernabeu, with goals from Arda Guler, Yan Diomande, and two from Kylian Mbappe securing the win.
Even with a great team effort, Alexander-Arnold must be worried since Mourinho picked midfielder Fede Valverde to play right-back instead of him or fellow right-back Denzel Dumfries. Valverde did a fantastic job, even stopping a goal at 2-0.
Alexander-Arnold had to stay on the bench, as Mourinho didn’t give him a chance to play, even though the team was comfortably ahead most of the match. This move isn’t very surprising because Alexander-Arnold has only played in five La Liga games this season, starting three of them. Dumfries also seems to be preferred over him right now.
At 28 years old, Alexander-Arnold might have to think about his future in the next transfer windows, especially if he continues to have a minor role under Mourinho. Rumors about him returning to the Premier League are always around.
After the game, Mourinho said it’s “not easy to leave two quality right-backs on the bench” but praised Valverde. He added, “If we had four Valverdes, they’d play four different positions. He’s one of the most versatile players around. Today, he played brilliantly. I thought having a right-back like him, with legs and quality, behind Endrick was very useful. He’s the captain of Real Madrid, and if needed, he’d even play as the goalkeeper.”
Fans quickly shared their thoughts on social media. One said, “Trent Alexander-Arnold is now clearly the third-choice right-back at Real Madrid behind Valverde and Dumfries.” Another added, “Has a player ever hurt their career like Trent? He was going to be a legend and a future captain but now can’t even make the squad for his country. He must regret that every day.”
A third fan felt Mourinho was being unfair: “We signed one of the best attacking right-backs in the world and now we watch Valverde, a midfielder, play that position. What does Trent have to do to get Mourinho’s trust? It’s getting ridiculous.” Another wrote, “There must be something else going on because it’s strange Trent has hardly played recently. I love Fede at right-back but something feels off.”
Alexander-Arnold is still under contract with Real Madrid until 2031.