The England international appears set for a reduced role at the Spanish club after the Dutch international caught the eye in his first La Liga outing.
The ex-Liverpool full-back arrived at the Bernabeu without a transfer fee at the end of last season and found early life in Spain challenging.
Over the course of his initial complete campaign, the 27-year-old contributed seven assists across 36 appearances. Physical problems plagued him throughout the term, with a torn muscle and hamstring complaints causing him to miss 22 fixtures in total.
This term could present fresh difficulties for the right-back now that Mourinho has returned to the capital city, rejoining the club during the close season. One of his earliest transfer decisions involved bringing in Dumfries, who moved from Inter Milan in a deal worth €20m.
Spanish publications have now offered their assessment following the defender’s appearance in Saturday’s league fixture against Espanyol. The hosts secured a 2-1 victory courtesy of strikes from Bellingham and Espi.
The former Liverpool player entered the pitch as an 80th-minute substitute, drawing a mixed response from the Spanish press. Local journalists indicated that Mourinho may now consider him as the backup option at right-back.
Marca awarded the defender a mid-table mark, noting he was brought on because the team required additional attacking impetus.
The same publication’s assessment of Dumfries stated: he committed fully and brought down Dolan. He dropped low, extended his leg, and the interception was excellent. Defensively, he’s outstanding. He’s replaced by Trent in the 80th minute. A solid league performance from the Dutchman. Much stronger at the back… though somewhat wasteful going forward, though he worked hard throughout.
AS suggested the England international was introduced to deliver precise crosses into the penalty area, though he remained largely peripheral and failed to meet expectations.
But once more, the mark given to Dumfries may concern Alexander-Arnold. It noted: a starter in the season opener, he’s ahead of Trent in the selection order. And he backs it up with his displays: he’s aggressive defensively and, most notably, he attacks with real vigour. On a day when Güler featured as a winger but operated centrally, the Dutchman’s willingness to advance down the flanks proved vital. He made numerous threatening runs into the penalty area. And at the back, he was vital in some late situations.
Mundo Deportivo reported that the new manager favours Dumfries over Alexander-Arnold and brought him in during the summer specifically to be his first-choice replacement in the starting eleven. They added that the defender would be viewed as an alternative in the squad when the Real boss seeks a tactical change.
Sport agreed that Dumfries had secured the starting berth contest against Alexander-Arnold but noted his squad function remains dependent on Mourinho’s requirements for the campaign. However, this outlet was most generous toward the Englishman, describing him as attempting to get involved and offering quality for Espi.
The report noted Alexander-Arnold would prove more effective in a central position, suggesting Mourinho might convert the 27-year-old into a more central player this year.