Trent Alexander-Arnold knows where he stands with Jose Mourinho amid Real Madrid talk

Jose Mourinho's potential return to Real Madrid could have repercussions for Trent Alexander-Arnold

Jose Mourinho's assessment of Trent Alexander-Arnold has resurfaced, with the Portuguese manager understood to be Real Madrid president Florentino Perez's preferred choice to replace Alvaro Arbeloa. Arbeloa, who was hired in January to succeed the sacked Xabi Alonso, is now anticipated to depart his position at the conclusion of the campaign.

According to The Athletic, Perez is significantly shaping the decision on the next Los Blancos boss in an attempt to refresh the club following a second successive season without silverware.

A Bernabeu comeback would see Mourinho and Perez reunited, having previously worked together from 2010 to 2013, a partnership that yielded three trophies, including a record-shattering La Liga crown in 2011–12.

Mourinho's time in Madrid stopped short of Champions League glory. Meanwhile, Alonso has been placed on the shortlist for the Chelsea position. Should Mourinho make his way back to Madrid this summer, Alexander-Arnold would be working under his third manager in little over a year since arriving at the club.

Alexander-Arnold's time at Real Madrid has proved a mixed bag, with the 27-year-old registering five assists across 26 outings in all competitions. Now firmly established as the club's starting right-back, his campaign has also been hampered by hamstring and thigh problems, which have led to patchy performances.

Back in 2019, Mourinho heaped praise on the England international alongside his former full-back partner, Andy Robertson. The pair were among Liverpool's most impressive performers throughout Jurgen Klopp's reign.

During the 2019/20 season, in which the Reds claimed their sixth Champions League title, the pair racked up an impressive 29 assists in 88 combined outings across all competitions.

Mourinho heaped praise on the duo, emphasising their mentality and commanding presence on the pitch. He described both players as having a "good arrogance," coupled with aggression and "amazing character," highlighting the qualities he believes distinguish them at the elite level.

"The two full-backs also have to be Liverpool players, amazing players, Alexander-Arnold and Robertson. Amazing character and personality," said the former Chelsea manager. "Alexander-Arnold is a local boy, Robertson is a Scottish boy that a few years ago was relegated with Hull City."

He added: "And both they are physical, they are aggressive, they are what I call in football 'the good arrogance', they are not afraid to play, they go forward, they participate in attack."

On Alexander Arnold's contribution this season, Arbeloa said: "Trent Alexander-Arnold is showing a great level. His performance is beyond doubt. Right now he deserves to play, and when he hasn't played, Carvajal has done well. I'm not a coach to gift a minute to anyone."

Arbeloa has endorsed Alexander-Arnold as a pivotal figure in the squad, stressing his selections are rooted in trust and the conviction that each player can shape outcomes.

The ex-Liverpool defender also stressed that, despite fairly unspectacular La Liga statistics, his contribution in build-up play and chance creation has been vital for Real, highlighting his significance to the team's overall shape and attacking prowess.