Trent Alexander-Arnold is expected to take on a new role at Real Madrid following his transfer from Liverpool, ahead of the Club World Cup.
New Madrid boss Xabi Alonso has crafted a fresh tactical strategy upon his arrival in Spain. Alexander-Arnold was unveiled as a Madrid player on Thursday and caused controversy by speaking in perfect Spanish, suggesting he's been planning on joining Madrid for some time.
Alonso aims to maximise the potential of forward Kylian Mbappe, who had an outstanding debut season in La Liga. Former manager Carlo Ancelotti initially found it challenging to integrate the Frenchman into his squad, but eventually settled on a system that saw him thrive.
A 4-4-2 formation was often employed, and Alonso is said to be keen on adopting a similar structure. If Alexander-Arnold continues to play as right back, this could mean a shift for him.
As per The Independent, Alonso has been working on a 4-4-2 system that would pair Mbappe with Vinicius Junior upfront. When Madrid has the ball, it might look more like a 3-4-2-1 formation, with a central midfielder falling back and the full-backs providing width.
Having started as a right-back and moved into central areas over the past few years - even playing as a traditional central midfielder - Alexander-Arnold may now find himself playing wider. This could encourage the 26-year-old to deliver more crosses, reminiscent of his earlier performances at Anfield.
Xabi Alonso is the new Real Madrid boss
Xabi Alonso is the new Real Madrid boss (Image: Getty Images)
Alexander-Arnold's evolution at Liverpool saw him transition from a traditional full-back role, providing support to Mohamed Salah on the right flank, to a player with the potential to dominate midfield. Toward the end of his time at Anfield, Jurgen Klopp shared with TNT Sports his vision for the player's future.
He said: "He was ready for it. It gives him much more freedom. Being an eight or six, he will play there eventually, it will happen, but is it a position he has to play all the time or is it better he can demand a game from the right-back position then drop into midfield and on the wing, this kind of freedom?
"And then in the end being in the centre in a lot of moments and being in charge of the game from there, together with Macca (Alexis Mac Allister) or whoever. There are so many benefits.
"As a team we were not ready in the past and Trent wasn't ready. We thought last year in a bad moment for us that's time to change something big and we did and it worked out.
"Trent enjoys it. I think he is quite happy with the position and how he can interpret it. I am very happy with it."
After making the move to Madrid, Alexander-Arnold could be set to take on a pivotal role.