No room for error: Real Madrid defensive duo return for pre-season under huge pressure | OneFootball

Real Madrid’s investment in both full-back positions this summer has intensified the competition for places under Jose Mourinho.

The Portuguese coach wants every position to be earned rather than guaranteed, and nowhere is that philosophy more evident than at full-back. 

The arrivals of Marc Cucurella and Denzel Dumfries have significantly increased competition on both flanks, leaving Trent Alexander-Arnold and Alvaro Carreras under pressure to raise their level ahead of the new season.

Mourinho wants competition, not certainty

Real Madrid’s decision to spend around €55 million on Cucurella and €20 million on Dumfries was certainly not a desire to add depth. 

It showed the club’s intention to create genuine competition in positions where performances fell below expectations last season.

Mourinho is understood to believe internal competition is one of the quickest ways to improve standards across the squad. 

Alvaro Carreras faces difficult pre-season under Mourinho. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

Hence, rather than relying on established starters, he wants players pushing each other throughout the campaign, making every selection based on form rather than status.

According to AS, that approach leaves Alexander-Arnold and Carreras with little margin for error during pre-season.

Carreras and Alexander-Arnold have points to prove

Carreras enters his second season knowing expectations have changed. 

After arriving for a substantial fee from Benfica, the young left-back struggled to establish himself consistently during his debut campaign and was, at times, overlooked in favour of Fran Garcia. 

With Cucurella now competing for the same position, opportunities are unlikely to come as easily, as the Spain international brings a strong record of availability. 

Trent Alexander-Arnold’s debut season was underwhelming at best. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)

Across his final two seasons at Chelsea, injuries and suspensions rarely kept him out, making him a reliable option capable of sustaining a high level over a long campaign.

On the other hand, Alexander-Arnold’s challenge is different.

His first year in Madrid was interrupted by injuries and inconsistent performances, while long-standing questions over his defensive game continued to surface. 

Mourinho recognises the former Liverpool defender’s ability to influence matches in possession but expects greater balance between his attacking contribution and defensive responsibilities.

Fortunately, the player is aware of all this, and the disappointment of missing out on the World Cup has sharpened his focus heading into pre-season, with the defender determined to respond.