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New manager José Mourinho got a full taste of the Trent Alexander-Arnold experience during Real Madrid's opening preseason fixture of the summer.
With Alexander-Arnold having sat out England's 2026 World Cup campaign, the fullback was among the handful of marquee names featured in Mourinho's lineup for the club's friendly against Leganés on Tuesday. The preseason match was originally scheduled to be held behind closed doors, but Real Madrid TV aired the first half, giving fans their first look at "the Special One" back on the sideline.
Multiple players made their mark in the opening 45 minutes, with Federico Valverde and Gonzalo García both finding the net while Arda Güler consistently carved out opportunities. It was Alexander-Arnold, however, who sparked the most debate.
The ex-Liverpool star showcased his brilliant right foot, but also reminded onlookers of his vulnerabilities in his own defensive half.
The Duality of Alexander-Arnold on Full Display
Few Real Madrid players are more eager for a fresh start than Alexander-Arnold. The 27-year-old endured an injury-plagued debut season in the white kit, managing just 30 appearances with only five assists and no goals to show for it.
The season was so underwhelming that Thomas Tuchel chose to leave Alexander-Arnold out of his summer plans entirely. The additional rest appears to have done the right back some good, however, as his influence was felt throughout Los Blancos' 4–1 victory over Leganés.
From deep in his own half, Alexander-Arnold delivered a stunning ball over the defense to release a surging Gonzalo, who finished the chance brilliantly to make it 2–0 for Real Madrid. In the second half, the fullback forced a save from the goalkeeper, which Franco Mastantuono converted. He then whipped in a cross from the flank that led to an own goal by Leganés, according to ESPN Deportes.
Mourinho undoubtedly appreciated seeing Alexander-Arnold involved in three of his side's four goals, but one defensive lapse may have left a sour note on the overall display for the manager.
Leganés pulled one back in the first half through Naim García to briefly cut the deficit to 2–1. The 24-year-old looked up, noticed Alexander-Arnold was defending him in isolation and drove forward confidently. After a slick step-over, García created just enough room along the edge of the penalty area to unleash a shot that beat Andriy Lunin.
⚽️36' ¡Recorta distancias Naim!
2-1 | #RealMadridLeganés #Pretemporada pic.twitter.com/YTQPGX1Iny
Alexander-Arnold attempted a desperate last-ditch block, but to no avail. Once again, he was left watching his opponent celebrate after finding the net — a recurring theme throughout his career.
Denzel Dumfries Is Waiting in the Wings
Mourinho wasn't the only new arrival with a ringside view of Alexander-Arnold's qualities and limitations. New recruit Denzel Dumfries was present in the stands, observing the friendly from the sidelines.
The Dutchman joined the club following Dani Carvajal's departure, providing Los Blancos with much-needed cover at right back. While many expect Dumfries to serve as a backup to Alexander-Arnold, nothing is guaranteed under Mourinho's management.
It wouldn't come as a shock if the Portuguese tactician takes note of Alexander-Arnold's defensive weaknesses and instead opts for the more defensively reliable and physically imposing Dumfries. Xabi Alonso took a comparable approach at the start of 2025–26, preferring Carvajal over the former Liverpool standout.
The onus will be on Alexander-Arnold to convince his new boss that his attacking brilliance more than compensates for his defensive shortcomings. The England international boasts an impressive résumé and a well-stocked trophy cabinet, but none of it will count for much if he fails to win over the ever-polarizing Mourinho.