Jose Mourinho makes decision on starting right-back for Real Madrid against Racing Santander – report

Jose Mourinho makes decision on starting right-back for Real Madrid against Racing Santander – report Real Madrid find themselves in an interesting position with regard to their right-back dilemma ahead of the Racing Santander clash. Jose Mourinho decided to start Federico Valverde at right-back in recent games to give the team better balance. Los Blancos ‘ fortunes have changed since then, and this has left Denzel Dumfries and Trent Alexander-Arnold with limited game time. Now, according to Diario AS , Dumfries is expected to start against Racing Santander on Sunday, ahead of the Englishman. Jose Mourinho is leaning towards giving the Dutchman his starting spot back as he looks to balance the minutes across the squad. Dumfries set to get the nod ahead of Trent The decision comes after captain Valverde was ruled out of the trip to El Sardinero due to lingering muscular discomfort. While Real Madrid confirmed that the Uruguayan midfielder hadn’t suffered an injury, his absence from training this week meant Mourinho didn’t want to take any chances. Denzel Dumfries is expected to start against Racing Santander. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images) In the Clasico , Dumfries replaced his captain at around the hour mark, and Mourinho seems pretty clear on the pecking order at right-back. As things stand, the Dutchman is the backup to Fede Valverde and will get the first opportunity ahead of Trent. For the Englishman, this situation has become increasingly frustrating. He arrived from Liverpool with enormous expectations, but his Real Madrid career just hasn’t taken off. Jose Mourinho admitted that he was disappointed to find himself in this unfortunate situation but that both players understood it was for the greater good of the team. Where does Alexander-Arnold go from here? Dumfries and Trent are two contrasting right-backs whose strengths and weaknesses are quite different. The former Inter Milan defender brings athleticism, powerful forward runs and a physical presence in aerial duels. Trent, on the other hand, is a playmaker from right-back who uses his creativity, passing range and crossing ability to fashion chances for his team-mates. Trent Alexander-Arnold finds himself in a difficult position at Real Madrid. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images) Against Racing, a side who like to attack, Mourinho might be of the opinion that Dumfries offers more value than Trent. However, the 28-year-old Englishman will wonder what kind of opposition the manager would start him against, because opportunities have been few and far between. Even if he doesn’t start tonight against Racing, Trent will hope to come off the bench and make an impression. A good display could earn him a chance against AEK Athens or Valencia next weekend, and it remains to be seen how Mourinho sets his team up against Racing tonight.