The opening stages of Real Madrid’s pre-season have provided an opportunity to assess several players, including some of the newcomers.
One of the most closely watched has been Denzel Dumfries, whose arrival as a €20 million ‘dark horse’ signing from Inter initially suggested that he had been brought in to provide cover for Trent Alexander-arnold.
The Dutchman appeared to be the rotation option, the player who would take some of the Englishman’s minutes during a demanding season.
Because Trent was expected to become one of Mourinho’s leaders from the back following an inconsistent first season in white.
With numerous players still away following the World Cup, Mourinho has had to rebuild his team in his own way, and in that process the right-back position has become a role with two genuine contenders.
However, the distribution of minutes across the first three friendlies has left his position less secure, reports MARCA.
Making a positive start. (Photo by David Balogh/Getty Images)
Dumfries and Trent trade places
The experiments make that clear. Against Fiorentina, Trent started at right-back while Dumfries played ahead of him as a winger. The Englishman completed the match, while the Dutchman came off in the 75th minute.
In the second game, against Ferencvaros, Mourinho reversed their roles: Dumfries started and Trent came on in the second half.
Then, against Deportivo, the manager again started the Dutchman at right-back, with Trent coming on at halftime. The former Inter player played the full 90 minutes, though, moving to an advanced position in the second period.
Trent is facing genuine competition from Dumfries. (Photo by Christian Bruna/Getty Images)
Dumfries versatility and attitude shine through
Dumfries’ versatility has given him a slight advantage at the beginning of pre-season.
Until Brahim Diaz returned, Mourinho only had Dani Yanez as a genuine option to cover the right wing, meaning the Dutchman has become a valuable utility player in that area.
The Dutchman also fits the profile of footballer the Portuguese coach turns into a warrior, even though he has yet to show his best qualities during pre-season.
Trent, meanwhile, has looked particularly sharp, relaxed and eager to assert his authority.
Mourinho has deliberately created uncertainty, alternating players and formations without committing to anyone, forcing everyone to compete until the final minute of preseason.
As such, the final decision about who will be Real Madrid’s starting right-back remains up in the air, and that uncertainty could be the coach’s best tool for getting the most out of a squad that is still taking shape.