Real Madrid boss Mourinho wants to unlock key defender’s full potential; has a surprise new role planned | OneFootball

Jose Mourinho sees Trent Alexander-Arnold as a major part of his Real Madrid project and could even experiment with the Englishman in midfield as he looks to get the best out of his passing ability.

According to Mario Cortegana of The Athletic, Mourinho and his coaching staff view Alexander-Arnold as a highly versatile player who can offer Real Madrid far more than a traditional right-back.

The England international is expected to be a regular starter under Mourinho, but the Portuguese manager is also keen to explore whether he can use Trent in more central areas.

The idea is not expected to become Real Madrid’s main tactical plan, although Mourinho believes Alexander-Arnold’s vision and range of passing could give his side another way of creating chances for attackers.

Mourinho wants to explore Trent’s midfield potential

Alexander-Arnold built his reputation as one of the most creative full-backs in world football, but his ability on the ball has often raised questions about whether he could play permanently in midfield.

Mourinho is willing to test that possibility at Real Madrid.

As reported before, the Portuguese coach wants to see how Alexander-Arnold can operate from right-back before moving into midfield during certain phases of play.

Alexander-Arnold will play an important role under Mourinho. (Photo by Christian Bruna/Getty Images)

That would allow him to create an extra player in central areas while still beginning attacks from his natural defensive position.

From Mourinho’s point of view, Trent’s passing range could help Real Madrid progress the ball and find their attacking stars in dangerous areas. 

With Vinicius, Mbappe and Diomande providing pace and movement ahead of him, Alexander-Arnold could have several high-level targets for his deliveries.

It is important to note that the Real Madrid manager does not appear to see the midfield experiment as a complete positional change, but it could become a tactical tool within his system.

According to a source cited in the report, Mourinho and his staff see Alexander-Arnold as a “player who will be very important, with a highly versatile profile who can fulfil various roles from his position as a right-back.”

That versatility could make Trent one of Mourinho’s most interesting tactical pieces this season.

Trent expected to start despite new competition

Mourinho’s plans for Alexander-Arnold are also a clear sign of how highly he rates the former Liverpool defender.

Mourinho has tried Alexander-Arnold in midfield. (Photo by Christian Bruna/Getty Images)

The Real Madrid manager asked for another right-back after arriving at the club, not to replace Trent but to give him serious competition.

That competition has arrived in the form of Denzel Dumfries, giving Mourinho another strong option on the right side of his defence. However, the England international is still expected to be an important starter.

Meanwhile, it has been reported that Trent has also enjoyed his early life under Mourinho despite the unusual connection between a former Liverpool player and a manager so closely associated with Manchester United.

In fact, sources describe Alexander-Arnold as “a very focused individual who works hard off the pitch and is very ambitious”, while noting that he has remained “low-key and shy” since joining Real Madrid.

Furthermore, Alexander-Arnold has also benefited from an extended summer of rest and preparation as he was not in England’s squad for the World Cup. 

During this time, he worked with specialists to ensure he returned in the best possible condition and subsequently started two of Real Madrid’s four pre-season friendlies.