Trent Alexander-Arnold was once removed from the England squad list to participate in the 2026 World Cup. However, when the new season started, coach Thomas Tuchel did not have many opportunities to reassess that choice. The first 2 matches of this defender in La Liga did not leave much of an impression, but he was still recalled to the national team.
Alexander-Arnold's most mentioned performance this season came in the match against Inter Milan at the Santiago Bernabeu, where he was placed in the central midfielder position. Before the match, Jose Mourinho was asked about the possibility of using this right-back in the midfield area.
In the context of Eduardo Camavinga, Arda Guler, Bernardo Silva, Aurelien Tchouameni and Thiago Pitarch being absent due to injury or suspension, Real Madrid is forced to make personnel adjustments. However, testing Alexander-Arnold in midfield has not been as effective as expected.
After the match, Mourinho admitted that he did not have many options and appreciated Alexander-Arnold's efforts. However, the Portuguese coach also emphasized the difference in fitness requirements, vision and tasks between central midfielders and full-backs.
That does not mean Alexander-Arnold loses the opportunity to return to the England national team. Tuchel has confirmed that this player is called up as a right-back. The problem lies in the fact that his preferred position is still not really guaranteed at Real Madrid after his first season starting only 30 out of 56 matches.
The absence from the World Cup once opened up an opportunity for Alexander-Arnold to seek a new start at Real Madrid. Mourinho is also expected to help the English defender regain his form. However, early season developments show that he still has to compete fiercely for the starting position.
In the opening match, Alexander-Arnold was only brought on in the last 10 minutes. Real Madrid then won thanks to Carlos Espi's late goal. He continued to sit on the bench in the 4-1 victory over Real Sociedad, when Denzel Dumfries was chosen in the right-back position.
Alexander-Arnold's most outstanding performance came in the match against Malaga. He played all 90 minutes, had more touches and made more passes than any other player. This defender also created two chances and assisted Kylian Mbappe to score in Real Madrid's 4-0 victory.
Passs with accuracy and wide deployment range are still Alexander-Arnold's familiar strength. However, after that match, his playing opportunities decreased.
Alexander-Arnold only played 26 minutes in the 0-1 defeat to Real Betis and continued to sit on the bench in the match against Rayo. In the confrontation with Elche, he was brought on but was substituted when the match was about 3 minutes left. Real Madrid then lost the 2-0 lead and was equalized 2-2 before Espi scored late to help his team win.
After the first 6 matches in La Liga, Alexander-Arnold only started 2 matches, came on as a substitute twice and was sidelined for 2 matches. He has one assist and has been recalled to the England national team by Tuchel.
Alexander-Arnold's defensive ability is still a question mark after the early matches of the season. The return to the national team shows that Tuchel still places his trust in this defender, but his position at Real Madrid is not really certain at the moment.
