Trent Alexander-Arnold has been cautioned that his starting position at Real Madrid might be under serious threat with Jose Mourinho set to take charge. Former Premier League striker Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink believes that incoming full-back Denzel Dumfries could replace the England international if Mourinho prioritises defensive discipline over attacking creativity.

Mourinho’s return signals defensive overhaul

As reported by Sky Sports, the Portuguese manager travelled from Lisbon to Madrid on Wednesday afternoon to finalise his return to the Spanish giants, heading directly to the training complex before his contract officially begins in July. To support a defensive revamp, the Bernabeu management are pursuing Inter Milan’s Denzel Dumfries in a budget-friendly deal, alongside Liverpool centre-back Ibrahima Konate. This recruitment push follows an uneven debut campaign for Alexander-Arnold, whose recurring muscle problems and omission from England’s World Cup squad have prompted the club to search for more dependable defensive options.

Hasselbaink outlines tactical challenge

Speaking to 10bet, the 1999 Premier League Golden Boot winner explained how the managerial change could significantly affect the attack-minded right-back. When asked whether Dumfries could overtake Alexander-Arnold as first choice, Hasselbaink said: “If it’s Jose Mourinho, then the chances of that happening are quite high because Mourinho prefers defenders who defend first.”

He continued, “We all know Trent’s strengths, but his strengths lie in attacking. So if Mourinho takes charge, I think Dumfries will get plenty of minutes. That said, it’s a great advantage for Mourinho to have two very different types of right-backs, giving him tactical flexibility.”

“I still believe Trent will get a lot of playing time. But yes, competition is normal at a big club.”

No immediate Premier League comeback

With Dani Carvajal departing on June 30, the responsibility on the 27-year-old to command the right flank will only increase. Despite the pressure, Hasselbaink insists that a return to the Premier League would be premature for Alexander-Arnold.

Discussing the defender’s future, Hasselbaink said: “No, I don’t think he should return. He should keep pushing and show resilience. For England — even though he’s not with the national team squad right now — it’s beneficial for the national side that English players are competing abroad. You have Kane, Gordon, Rashford, and Trent. It can only help England progress.”

“For Trent, it’s good for his character that things aren’t as straightforward as they were at Liverpool. He needs to display another dimension to his game, and yes, he’s under pressure — but it’s a different kind of pressure.”

Rehabilitation and adaptation ahead

Real Madrid officials are keen to secure both Dumfries and Konate ahead of the World Cup, giving Mourinho time to mould his squad. While his teammates head to the tournament, Alexander-Arnold faces a crucial summer dedicated to physical recovery and rehabilitation to overcome persistent fitness concerns. The defender must make full use of pre-season to prove to the new coach that he can adapt to a more structured, defence-oriented system before the demanding domestic campaign begins in August.