Mourinho Says Alexander-Arnold Remains a Right-Back After Inter Win
José Mourinho insisted Trent Alexander-Arnold remains a right-back, despite selecting the England international in Real Madrid’s midfield for Tuesday’s 2-1 Champions League victory over Inter Milan.
Mourinho: Alexander-Arnold is not a midfielder
Alexander-Arnold started beside Federico Valverde in the centre of the pitch as Madrid beat the Italian side, making only his second start of the campaign.
Mourinho said the 27-year-old had handled an unfamiliar assignment well, but made clear that the experiment did not alter his view of the player’s natural position.
- Alexander-Arnold had previously featured in midfield for both Liverpool and England.
- It was the first occasion Mourinho had moved him away from right-back for Madrid.
- Mourinho praised both Alexander-Arnold and Valverde for their tactical work against Inter.
“He has played in midfield for England and Liverpool, but he is not a midfielder,” Mourinho said. “He performed very well and understood the tactical demands. He and Valverde worked extremely well at this level.”
Why the opening emerged
Madrid’s midfield options were reduced by suspensions for Eduardo Camavinga, Arda Güler and Bernardo Silva, creating a route into the starting XI for Alexander-Arnold.
His usual right-back place has also become harder to secure following Denzel Dumfries’ summer arrival. The Netherlands defender has started three of Madrid’s four LaLiga fixtures and also began their Champions League opener.
Physical demands remain a concern
Mourinho acknowledged that Alexander-Arnold had made errors in possession, while stressing that the requirements at full-back and in central midfield are markedly different.
“It is difficult for Trent,” Mourinho said. “I value the effort, but the physical demands and the specific requirements of full-back and central midfield are completely different.
“There were some lost balls because it is different when the entire pitch is ahead of you compared with having half the field behind you. He has done it a few times for Liverpool and his country, but it is very different. He had no more to give.”
What happens next
Alexander-Arnold’s display gives Mourinho another option during a period of absences, but Dumfries’ early-season involvement means the battle for Madrid’s right-back role remains intense.
