English Premier League
Alexander-Arnold shines in attack but familiar defensive frailty resurfaces in Real Madrid friendly
Real Madrid’s 4-1 pre-season win over Leganes underlined both the brilliance and the vulnerability of Trent Alexander-Arnold, as the England international produced a sparkling attacking display but was again exposed defensively for the visitors’ only goal.
The 27-year-old, starting for Real Madrid in their second warm-up match ahead of the new campaign, was central to three of his side’s four goals at Valdebebas. Yet the strike that beat Andriy Lunin came directly from his flank, reviving long-standing concerns over his one-on-one defending just as new signing Denzel Dumfries watched on from the stands.
According to Spanish newspaper Sport, Alexander-Arnold again demonstrated why Real Madrid were so determined to bring him to the Bernabeu. Jose Mourinho gave him license to push forward almost at will, and he responded by becoming one of the most active and influential players in the final third.
His impact was decisive on three occasions. First, in the opening half, he spotted the run of team-mate Gonzalo Garcia from deep and delivered a precise, raking long pass from the halfway line that released the young forward through on goal to score Real Madrid’s second of the night.
After the interval, Alexander-Arnold stepped inside and unleashed a powerful long-range effort which the Leganes goalkeeper could only parry. Franco Mastantuno reacted quickest to the rebound to extend Real Madrid’s lead, with the full-back again at the heart of the move.
Later in the second half, he capped his attacking performance with a dangerous cross from the right channel that caused havoc in the Leganes penalty area. Under pressure, defender Ruben Pulido diverted the ball into his own net, completing the 4-1 scoreline and underlining Alexander-Arnold’s status as one of Real Madrid’s main creative outlets.
Those three moments encapsulated the offensive qualities that have made Alexander-Arnold such an intriguing signing for Mourinho: his passing range, vision from deep and ability to generate chances from the right flank. They also explained the Portuguese coach’s determination to retain him as a key weapon in the final third.
Defensive lapse in front of new rival
However, the game also delivered the kind of defensive episode Alexander-Arnold has been keen to consign to the past.
In the second half, with Real Madrid in control, Leganes midfielder Naim Garcia found a large pocket of space on Alexander-Arnold’s side. Allowed to advance, he cut inside and struck a superb curling effort into the far corner, the shot kissing the post before crossing the line for Leganes’ only goal.
The move again drew attention to Alexander-Arnold’s difficulties in individual defensive duels and space management on his flank – an issue that has followed him throughout his career and which now takes on added significance at his new club.
The timing of the mistake was particularly awkward. Watching from the Valdebebas stands was Dumfries, Real Madrid’s new Dutch right-back, who had completed his medical only hours earlier and taken part in his first training session in Madrid colours alongside Ferland Mendy and Thiago Petarch.
Dumfries profile appeals to Mourinho
Dumfries offers a markedly different profile to Alexander-Arnold. The Dutch international is known for his physical strength, combative style and greater defensive solidity, including his coverage of space off the ball – attributes that historically have been highly valued by Mourinho in his full-backs.
With Dumfries expected to make his first appearance in the upcoming friendly against Fiorentina, the message about the battle for the right-back position is becoming clear inside Real Madrid’s camp.
Alexander-Arnold has already shown that he can be a high-impact attacking asset for Mourinho, as underlined by his role in three of the four goals against Leganes. His next, and more demanding, task will be to convince the coaching staff that he can match that level defensively and withstand the growing competition from Dumfries for a starting place.
