Trent Alexander-Arnold surprised Jose Mourinho at pre-season training

According to Sports.

Context

Trent Alexander-Arnold, signed by Real Madrid, has the chance to become a key player after a difficult first season in Spain. His improved physical and mental fitness, as well as his desire to regain his place in the starting line-up, make him an important part of the club's plans for next season.

Why is this important

Dani Carvajal's departure has left Real Madrid in search of a new right-back, with Trent Alexander-Arnold looking set to take over the position. His impressive performances in pre-season could have a significant impact on the season, especially in light of competition from Denzel Dumfries. Trent's success could be key to the formation of a team under the leadership of Jose Mourinho.

Key takeaways

• Trent Alexander-Arnold surprised Jose Mourinho at pre-season training camp.
• Trent Alexander-Arnold impressed Jose Mourinho at Real Madrid's pre-season training camp, showing significant improvement after a difficult last season.
• 27-year-old Real Madrid star has surprised Jose Mourinho most during preseason – report.

Real Madrid have said goodbye to long-time right-back and club captain Dani Carvajal at the end of the 2025-26 season. The Spaniard has become part of Madrid folklore over the past decade and his departure has left a lasting mark despite his infrequent appearances last season. The club already have Trent Alexander-Arnold in their squad, but the Englishman has struggled in his first season in Spain. Real Madrid signed Denzel Dumfries from Internazionale but there were still some concerns over both right-backs.

However, according to Defensa Central, Trent was the biggest positive surprise for Jose Mourinho in the pre-season training camp and made a strong impression on the new coach. Mourinho was particularly impressed with how Trent performed in his first friendlies after returning to training in excellent physical and mental shape. Alexander-Arnold reportedly arrived at the Valdebebas base determined to regain his place in the starting XI after one of the most difficult periods of his career. After missing out on England's World Cup squad, the 27-year-old has spent the summer actively working on his fitness and mental state to ensure he can once again become a key member of the team. These efforts appear to have borne fruit.


Mourinho has been impressed by the level Trent has shown since the start of pre-season. The coach expected to spend a lot of time improving the player's tactical understanding, but instead found him at a much higher level than expected. His performance against Fiorentina confirmed this impression, with Trent standing out alongside Denzel Dumfries as one of Madrid's best players.

Trent's problems at right-back have been well documented. There is no doubt that the Englishman is the most creative right-back of his generation, but his defensive discipline has not always been up to par. The alternative option in this position, Denzel Dumfries, also has its pros and cons. He is good in attack and recovery, but plays his best football in a three-at-the-back formation, where he can play as a lateral. So Mourinho might be worried about how to get the best out of his right-backs.

However, it's safe to say that both players have started well enough to allay those concerns. Despite Trent's encouraging start, the battle for the right-back position is far from over. Dumfries has also impressed since his arrival, providing Mourinho with two high-profile options for the role.The Portuguese coach is open to rotating between the two depending on the opposition and has also experimented with using both players in the same formation. This tactical flexibility could allow Mourinho to use both players on the right flank against teams where crosses can become a real threat. The encouraging sign for now is that Trent is off to a great start. The next big step for him is to maintain that consistency and it remains to be seen how the 27-year-old will perform under Jose.

What happens next

Given Mourinho's positive comments about Trent, we can expect him to get more playing time in the upcoming matches. The competition with Dumfries will continue, which could help improve the form of both players. This will also impact Real's overall strategy for the season as the club seeks to regain the titles.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the result of the match between Real Madrid and Inter Milan?

Information about the result of the match is not indicated in the article.

How will Dani Carvajal's departure affect the La Liga table?

The article does not contain information about the impact of Dani Carvajal's departure on the La Liga table.

When is the next Real Madrid match?

Data for the next Real Madrid match is not presented in the article.

How did Trent Alexander-Arnold perform during the pre-season training camp?

Trent Alexander-Arnold has made a strong impression on Jose Mourinho, demonstrating a high level of physical and mental fitness.

What are the expectations from Trent Alexander-Arnold in the new season?

Trent is expected to regain his place in the starting lineup after a successful pre-season.

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