Mirror: Alexander-Arnold and Curtis Jones reunite at the Bernabeu, but Arnold's time has been difficult

At Real Madrid under Jose Mourinho, Alexander-Arnold has found life in Spain difficult.

On Tuesday, Alexander-Arnold will reunite in the Champions League with Curtis Jones, who also came through Liverpool's academy. Real Madrid will host Inter Milan at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Alexander-Arnold has started only once for Real Madrid so far this season. In that 4-0 win over Malaga, he provided one assist. Since leaving Liverpool last year, the defender has been unable to show consistent form in Spain.

By contrast, Jones has enjoyed a smooth experience in Italy, although he has played only 70 minutes so far. Against Napoli this weekend, Jones came on as a substitute in the second half. Inter Milan were trailing 0-2 at the time, but he helped the team complete a comeback and win 3-2, maintaining their perfect start to the season.

Speaking about the victory, Jones said: "I am really happy. I am delighted to be part of such a team and such a club. The match was obviously difficult, but my teammates kept following the game plan. The fans were excellent throughout the match, and that was also why we won."

In Spain, Alexander-Arnold came off the bench against Real Betis at the weekend and played the final 30 minutes. He watched Mbappe's penalty get saved as Real Madrid eventually lost 0-1.

The two former Liverpool players have had completely different starts to the season. However, this reunion may come at the right time for the older Alexander-Arnold, who also came through Liverpool's academy.

Mourinho has already planned a long-term future for the defender and said he believes Alexander-Arnold is better suited to playing alongside new signing Jan Diomande. In an interview with AS, he said: "The team has always been good. I haven't looked at the data, but we created many chances. We missed three or four clear opportunities, and the opponent's goalkeeper also made three or four excellent saves. I did not make substitutions because I was unhappy; I only replaced players who had already received yellow cards. Playing with Alexander-Arnold and Jan Diomande is better than playing with Dumfries."

Since Diomande is still young, Alexander-Arnold's playing time at Real Madrid may still remain limited.

This summer, the right-back was linked with a return to Anfield, as Iraola had been pursuing defensive options. As the rumours continued to grow, the 27-year-old admitted that Liverpool would always be his "home".

Alexander-Arnold told the Mirror in August: "I still watch every Liverpool match. I support them and want to see them do well. I enjoy watching them play. No matter what happens, Liverpool will always have a place in my heart. That is my home. They gave me the opportunity to do what I later achieved, and I will always love that place. It will always be the place I call home."