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Trent Alexander-Arnold has reportedly been cautioned that his place in Real Madrid’s starting XI may be in jeopardy ahead of Jose Mourinho’s anticipated arrival as manager. Former Premier League forward Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink believes that incoming full-back Denzel Dumfries could potentially replace the Englishman if Mourinho prioritises defensive stability over attacking creativity in his system.

Mourinho’s return could trigger defensive reshuffle

As per Sky Sports, the Portuguese coach travelled from Lisbon to Madrid on Wednesday afternoon to finalise his comeback to the Spanish giants, visiting the training complex even before his contract officially starts in July. In preparation for a defensive overhaul, the Santiago Bernabeu management is reportedly eyeing Inter Milan defender Denzel Dumfries in a cost-effective deal, along with Liverpool centre-back Ibrahima Konate. This pursuit comes after a mixed debut season for Alexander-Arnold, whose recurrent muscle injuries and omission from England’s World Cup squad have prompted Real Madrid to seek more dependable defensive options.

Hasselbaink highlights tactical contrast

Speaking to 10bet, the 1999 Premier League Golden Boot winner explained how the managerial switch could change the situation for the attack-oriented right-back. When asked if Dumfries could become the preferred choice under Mourinho, Hasselbaink said: “If it’s Jose Mourinho, then yes, Dumfries’ chances are quite high because Mourinho likes his defenders to defend first.”

He added, “Everyone knows Trent’s strength lies in his attacking abilities. So, if Mourinho takes charge, I think Dumfries will feature quite a lot. Still, it’s a great advantage for Mourinho to have two completely different styles of right-backs, allowing him to adjust his tactics as needed.”

“That said, I still believe Trent will get plenty of game time. Competition is part and parcel of being at a big club,” Hasselbaink concluded.

No Premier League comeback expected

With Dani Carvajal set to leave Real Madrid on June 30, the responsibility on Alexander-Arnold to secure his position on the right flank is expected to increase. Despite current challenges, Hasselbaink believes returning to the Premier League would not be the right move for the 27-year-old at this stage.

Sharing his perspective on the defender’s future, Hasselbaink said: “No, I don’t think he should return. He should stay, persist, and fight for his place. For England – although he’s not currently part of the national team setup – it’s beneficial to have English players competing abroad. Now you have Kane, Gordon, Rashford, and Trent. This can only help the England national team.”

He further added, “For Trent, it’s good for his character to face a different kind of challenge than what he had at Liverpool. He has to show another dimension to his game and handle a new level of pressure.”

Important summer of recovery ahead

Real Madrid’s hierarchy is keen to finalise the signings of Dumfries and Konate before the World Cup begins, giving Mourinho ample time to shape his squad. While his teammates head off for international duty, Alexander-Arnold will spend the summer focusing on rehabilitation to recover from persistent fitness issues. The upcoming pre-season will be crucial for him to prove he can adapt to a more disciplined defensive role before Real Madrid’s demanding domestic campaign kicks off in August.