Jose Mourinho plays Trent Alexander-Arnold in midfield for Real Madrid victory

Trent Alexander-Arnold started in central midfield for Real Madrid during their 2-1 Champions League win over Inter Milan on Tuesday. Manager Jose Mourinho deployed the former Liverpool defender in the middle of the park due to suspensions for Eduardo Camavinga, Arda Guler, and Bernardo Silva. While Alexander-Arnold recorded two chances created and attempted multiple crosses, he struggled to win tackles and finished with 83.3% passing accuracy. Mourinho praised the tactical application shown by the player but maintained that Alexander-Arnold is not naturally a midfielder. The manager noted that the physical demands of the central role differ significantly from the right-back position where Alexander-Arnold usually competes with Denzel Dumfries for a starting spot.

• 8:26 AMYahoo Sports — Jose Mourinho gives blunt review of Trent Alexander-Arnold’s midfield performance for Real Madrid
• 11:14 PMYahoo Sports — In the middle again - but Mourinho says Alexander-Arnold 'not a midfielder'
• 11:14 PMBBC Sport — In the middle again - but Mourinho says Alexander-Arnold 'not a midfielder'