League: LaLiga Sport: Soccer Country: England Category: Scores & Results

Denzel Dumfries starts for Real Madrid, puts pressure on Trent Alexander-Arnold

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 11, 2026, 12:20 PM

Last updated Aug 11, 2026

Denzel Dumfries starts for Real Madrid, puts pressure on Trent Alexander-Arnold

Summary

Denzel Dumfries, the recent summer signing from Real Madrid, has started in both of the club’s pre-season matches thus far, positioning himself ahead of Trent Alexander-Arnold for the right-back role. Despite starting the first official pre-season test against Fiorentina, Alexander-Arnold now finds himself on the bench after Dumfries's solid performances. This shift comes as Dumfries fills the right-back position he was brought in to play, marking a notable competition for a role that Alexander-Arnold struggled to secure last season. Coach José Mourinho is expected to evaluate both players closely as the season progresses.

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Market Watch

•Denzel Dumfries starts both pre-season matches for Real Madrid.
•Trent Alexander-Arnold began the pre-season early but now faces competition.
•Dumfries's second start was as a traditional right-back.
•Alexander-Arnold struggled with consistency and injuries last season.
•José Mourinho has a history with both players from the Premier League.

Latest Updates

12:20 PMYahoo Sports — Real Madrid summer signing signing puts pressure on defender ahead of new season

What they're saying

"
There is no better way to start at a new club than by starting the first two matches you’re available for. By that measure, Denzel Dumfries, 30, has made an excellent start at Real Madrid.His time a...
— Yahoo Sports

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