Jose Mourinho has offered a candid assessment of Trent Alexander-Arnold’s performance in midfield during Real Madrid’s 2-1 Champions League victory over Inter Milan. Despite starting the English right-back in an unfamiliar central role, Mourinho suggested that Alexander-Arnold’s natural qualities are better suited to his traditional full-back position.
Alexander-Arnold, 27, played in midfield due to suspensions affecting Eduardo Camavinga, Arda Guler, and Bernardo Silva. He was later substituted in the second half for Aurelien Tchouameni. Mourinho acknowledged Alexander-Arnold’s effort, stating, “I thank Trent Alexander-Arnold for his efforts to play in a position that is not his.” He further clarified, “It’s very clear that his qualities are made for the full-back position, not for midfield. He has played midfield with England and Liverpool… but he is not a midfielder.”
Alexander-Arnold’s Midfield Audition
The match against Inter Milan, the reigning Italian champions, served as a high-profile audition for Alexander-Arnold in the midfield role. This follows reports suggesting Mourinho was “keen” to explore Alexander-Arnold in midfield, though it was not considered the primary plan for the player. Alexander-Arnold has been sharing minutes this season with summer signing Denzel Dumfries, who started at right-back in the same match.
During the game, Alexander-Arnold’s former Liverpool teammate, Curtis Jones, who now plays for Inter Milan, was involved in the opening goal. Jones disastrously surrendered possession near his own area, leading to Kylian Mbappe scoring for Real Madrid. The second goal for Madrid came minutes later when Inter goalkeeper Josep Martinez failed to control the ball, allowing Federico Valverde to score.
Despite the win, Real Madrid struggled to maintain sustained possession, with Inter controlling more than 64 per cent of the ball, and at one point, over 70%. Thibaut Courtois was instrumental in securing the victory, making several crucial saves throughout the match. Valverde himself credited Courtois, saying, “Courtois deserved it because he saved us with an extraordinary performance.”
Mourinho observed that Alexander-Arnold “has lost some balls because it is not the same to play in this position compared to at right-back.” He also noted the increased physical demands of the midfield role, adding, “The intensity of physical work is quite difficult. He has a different engine. He has given 100 per cent. He left the pitch with nothing left to give.”
Future Role and Competition
Alexander-Arnold’s debut season at Real Madrid has been described as injury-hit and underwhelming, with flashes of his characteristic long passes but not the consistent impact seen during his time at Liverpool. The arrival of Mourinho and Dumfries has raised questions about his long-term position, as Dumfries is seen as a more defensively sound full-back, a type Mourinho has traditionally favored.
Mourinho’s comments suggest that while Alexander-Arnold performed his tactical duties well, the midfield experiment is likely not a permanent solution. The manager indicated that Alexander-Arnold is expected to return to competing with Dumfries for the starting right-back position. This competition is set to resume when Real Madrid hosts Rayo Vallecano on Saturday.
The match against Inter Milan highlighted Real Madrid’s ongoing challenges in controlling games through midfield, particularly in the absence of a player like Rodri or a similar alternative. Mourinho’s decision to substitute Alexander-Arnold, even if planned, underscored the experimental nature of his midfield deployment. While the experiment was not deemed a catastrophe, it remains to be seen if Alexander-Arnold will be used in this role against stronger opposition in later stages of the competition.
Alexander-Arnold has expressed his enduring affection for Liverpool, referring to it as “home” and stating he still watches every game. He acknowledged that Liverpool provided him with opportunities and will always hold a special place in his heart. This sentiment was shared in August, amidst speculation about a potential return to Anfield.
Despite the challenges, Mourinho praised Alexander-Arnold’s interpretation of the tactical requirements for the midfield role, noting that both he and Valverde “worked very well at this level.”
Source: independent.co.uk