Despite Real Madrid's summer signing of Dutch right-back Dumfries, The Athletic's Real Madrid correspondent Mario Cortach believes this doesn't mean Trent Alexander-Arnold will lose his starting position. According to his assessment, Mourinho will still consider the English defender his first choice at right-back at the start of the new season.
Real Madrid underwent significant changes this summer, with Mourinho returning to the Bernabéu to manage the team and the club completing several signings in the transfer market. However, Cortach stated that De Vrij's arrival does not necessarily mean he will directly replace Alexander-Arnold.
When talkSPORT host Gabi Agbonlahor asked Alexander-Arnold if he might face reduced playing time in the new season, Cortach said: "I'm not particularly worried because it's obvious he has to perform."
"If you recall the earliest reports from early May, Mourinho had already discussed transfer plans with the club. It was clear that he wanted to add a backup at right-back, and from the beginning, he wanted to bring in a player capable of competing for a starting position at left-back."
"So according to the original plan, Trent would start at right-back. Mourinho was very satisfied with him. But that's football. Dumfries is considered a strong competitor for Arnold, and he has to prove himself worthy of starting."
