Valverde injury opens door for Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dumfries at Real Madrid -

Fede Valverde battled through El Clásico (won by Real Madrid 2-1) until the 62nd minute, when he could no longer continue. The Uruguayan had once again delivered an impressive performance at right back, a position he has never particularly enjoyed playing but where he has excelled under José Mourinho this season. In fact, Valverde has been outstanding, and Real Madrid has flourished alongside him. It is a transformation born out of necessity, both for the coach and for the team.

It all began with Vinícius Júnior’s red card against Villarreal, which prompted Valverde’s return to the right-back position. From there, the Uruguayan led Madrid with a remarkable all-around performance. He assisted Diomande for the winger’s first goal in a Real Madrid shirt, tied with Diomande for the most chances created by a Madrid player (three) and ranked second for completed passes in the final third (12, behind Arda Güler’s 18). His defensive numbers were equally impressive: four ball recoveries, two interceptions, one clearance, a successful tackle and four of five duels won. Not once was he beaten by an opposing dribbler.

In the comeback victory in Rome, Valverde initially lined up in a double pivot alongside Aurélien Tchouaméni. But when Güler replaced Dumfries, who had started at right back that night, it confirmed a tactical shift that many had anticipated. Valverde, nicknamed “El Halcón” (The Falcon), moved back into defense. And two players began disappearing from Mourinho’s starting lineups: Trent Alexander-Arnold and Denzel Dumfries, both natural right backs.

Valverde injury opens door for Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dumfries at Real Madrid

Trent and Dumfries fall down the pecking order

Alexander-Arnold and Dumfries have gradually found themselves pushed out of the starting lineup. The Englishman arrived in the summer of 2025, when Madrid identified an opportunity to sign a natural successor to Dani Carvajal as his Liverpool contract approached expiration. The Spanish giants ultimately paid €12 million to secure his services in time for the Club World Cup. He showed flashes of his attacking quality with several assists during the tournament, although his defensive shortcomings were also evident.

His situation was subsequently complicated by recurring muscle injuries. Alexander-Arnold suffered three separate setbacks, two of which kept him sidelined for extended periods, limiting him to just 30 appearances: 21 in LaLiga and nine in the Champions League. This season, he has even been deployed in a double pivot against Inter Milan because of the absences of Güler, Eduardo Camavinga and Bernardo Silva. However, since Mourinho opted to use Valverde at right back, Alexander-Arnold has played just 53 minutes: 52 against Villarreal and a solitary minute in El Clásico.

Then there is Denzel Dumfries. Signed from Inter Milan this year for €20 million, the Dutch international has featured in 10 of Madrid’s 13 competitive matches, accumulating almost 600 minutes. During September’s international break, Netherlands coach Xavi Hernández used him for 350 of a possible 360 minutes. Yet Mourinho, who specifically requested his signing, has been reluctant to place greater trust in him.

Asked about the two players at the beginning of the season, the Portuguese coach was unequivocal: “You can’t expect one to play 60 games and the other none. Or one to play 10 and the other 50. That’s not possible. We have a lot of quality.”

For now, however, Mourinho has made his choice, preferring Valverde on the right side of defense.

That has left Alexander-Arnold and Dumfries in a precarious position. But Valverde’s physical problems could offer them a way back into the team, starting with the upcoming match against Racing.

The opportunity is there. Mourinho will have the final say.