Trent Alexander-Arnold could face a different approach under Jose Mourinho, with the Real Madrid boss reportedly set to go against advice previously given by Jurgen Klopp
Jose Mourinho, Head Coach of Real Madrid, speaks with Trent Alexander-Arnold of Real Madrid during the pre-season friendly match between Real Madrid and Fiorentina
Trent Alexander-Arnold is facing a new challenge with Jose Mourinho(Image: (Photo by Christian Bruna/Getty Images))
Jose Mourinho is reportedly preparing to go against Jurgen Klopp's advice by changing Trent Alexander-Arnold's position as he looks to get the best out of the former Liverpool star.
More than 14 months after leaving Liverpool for Real Madrid, Alexander-Arnold is set to begin his second season at the Spanish club under a third manager in Mourinho. The 27-year-old arrived at the Bernabeu with huge expectations, having established himself as one of the world's most versatile defenders. Real Madrid saw his passing range, crossing ability and experience in high-pressure matches as major assets.
However, his first season was disrupted by injuries, managerial changes and the challenge of adapting to a new league and environment. Those difficulties also contributed to him missing out on England's World Cup squad. After showing encouraging signs during pre-season, Alexander-Arnold will now hope to establish himself as a key player in Madrid under Mourinho.
Los Blancos are still looking for the right solution to strengthen their midfield after their move for Spain international Rodri fell through. According to Spanish radio station Cadena SER, Mourinho is considering a surprising alternative by moving Trent Alexander-Arnold into midfield rather than keeping him in his usual right-back role.
Mourinho is understood to have already tested the idea during pre-season, deploying Alexander-Arnold further inside to take advantage of his passing range and ability to dictate play from deeper positions.
Rodri's failed move could now prompt Real Madrid to explore a different solution, with Mourinho potentially turning to Alexander-Arnold rather than returning to the transfer market. The arrival of Netherlands international Denzel Dumfries also gives Mourinho greater flexibility on the right, potentially allowing Alexander-Arnold to move into midfield without leaving the position short of cover.
While many expected Real Madrid to pursue a replacement for Rodri, Mourinho could instead opt for an internal solution and use Alexander-Arnold's passing range and creativity to strengthen the midfield.
WOLVERHAMPTON, ENGLAND - MARCH 15: Jurgen Klopp, Manager of Liverpool celebrates victory with Trent Alexander-Arnold of Liverpool following the Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Liverpool at Molineux on March 15, 2021 in Wolverhampton, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Paul Ellis - Pool/Getty Images)
Jurgen Klopp didn't understand moving Alexander-Arnold into midfield(Image: Getty Images)
If Mourinho does opt to move Alexander-Arnold into midfield, he would be going against the view of Klopp, who was left surprised four years ago when the then-Liverpool boss saw the defender deployed in midfield by Gareth Southgate for England.
At the time, Klopp said: "Why would you make the best right-back in the world a midfielder? I don't understand that really. "As if the right-back position is not as important as the others. People who say that I struggle to understand how you could think that."
The midfield experiment is one Alexander-Arnold has tried before, both for England and Liverpool, but it's hard to argue he's made more of an impact on games anywhere other than from right-back.
Real Madrid already have an impressive group of midfielders in Aurélien Tchouaméni, Federico Valverde, Jude Bellingham and Bernardo Silva. However, Mourinho is still searching for the right balance in the middle of the pitch, having predominantly used a 4-2-3-1 formation.