Alexander-Arnold came on in the 94th minute of Madrid’s 2-1 win over Barcelona, replacing Arda Güler. Earlier, when Valverde was forced off after 62 minutes with muscular discomfort, Mourinho turned to Denzel Dumfries rather than the former Liverpool defender.
The decision continued a tactical pattern that has developed since Mourinho began using Valverde on the right side of defence. Against Villarreal, Alexander-Arnold was substituted in the 52nd minute, with the Uruguay international moving into the position. Valverde then supplied the assist for the decisive goal and offered the physical defensive presence Mourinho has increasingly favoured.
The same adjustment was used in Rome, where Güler replaced Dumfries and Valverde moved to right-back as Madrid chased the game. Madrid recovered to win, extending a run that reached five consecutive victories with the Clásico success.
Alexander-Arnold has consequently had little involvement during that sequence. He played 52 minutes against Villarreal and one against Barcelona, while his other starts have included a Champions League appearance against Inter, when he was used in midfield because of several absences. That experiment did not convince, despite Madrid winning the match.
The 28-year-old joined Madrid from Liverpool in 2025 after his contract expired, with the Spanish club paying a reported €10 million to bring forward his arrival for the Club World Cup. His first campaign was disrupted by three muscular injuries, limiting him to 30 appearances, and he missed out on England’s 2026 World Cup squad.
There is now reported interest from several clubs, particularly in England, ahead of the January transfer window. However, Alexander-Arnold is not currently pushing to leave and remains focused on establishing himself in Madrid.
The arrival of Dumfries from Inter for around €20 million has increased competition. The Netherlands international offers a more defensive profile, but Valverde has moved ahead of both specialist right-backs in Mourinho’s biggest matches. Alexander-Arnold’s recent England appearances, including two full matches against Czechia, showed he remains in contention internationally, but his club situation leaves his next step uncertain.