Mourinho considers moving Alexander-Arnold to midfield for Inter Milan match
2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 7, 2026, 10:35 AM
Last updated Sep 7, 2026

Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho is reportedly weighing a tactical shift for the upcoming Champions League opener against Inter Milan. Due to a series of midfield absences, the club is considering deploying Trent Alexander-Arnold in a central role alongside Fede Valverde. Eduardo Camavinga, Bernardo Silva, and Arda Guler are confirmed unavailable for the match, while the status of Aurelien Tchouameni remains uncertain. This move would require Dumfries to shift to the right-back position to accommodate Alexander-Arnold, who would be tasked with providing creative passing and ball progression from the middle of the pitch. Valverde would likely handle the primary defensive responsibilities and physical coverage to balance the experimental setup. The change aims to address a lack of offensive invention observed in recent performances as the team prepares to host the Italian side at the Santiago Bernabeu.
- •Mourinho faces a midfield shortage due to suspensions and uncertainty surrounding injury status.
- •Trent Alexander-Arnold may move from right-back to a central midfield pivot.
- •Eduardo Camavinga, Bernardo Silva, and Arda Guler are unavailable for the upcoming fixture.
- •Fede Valverde is expected to provide defensive cover if the midfield change occurs.
- •Dumfries would likely fill the right-back position if Alexander-Arnold shifts centrally.
- 10:35 AMYahoo Sports — Mourinho sees Real Madrid new signing as fully compatible with key defender
- 7:00 AMYahoo Sports — Mourinho could turn to versatile Real Madrid defender to fill midfield void against Inter Milan – report
"Jose Mourinho could turn to an unconventional solution when Real Madrid begin their Champions League campaign against Inter Milan, with Trent Alexander-Arnold being considered for a midfield role alon...
"Jose Mourinho is considering a tactical solution that could finally give Real Madrid’s record signing Yan Diomande his first start while also allowing Trent Alexander-Arnold to move into a more cent...
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsSep 7, 2026, 10:35 AMMourinho sees Real Madrid new signing as fully compatible with key defender
Jose Mourinho is considering a tactical solution that could finally give Real Madrid’s record signing Yan Diomande his first start while also allowing Trent Alexander-Arnold to move into a more cent...
- Yahoo SportsSep 7, 2026, 7:00 AMMourinho could turn to versatile Real Madrid defender to fill midfield void against Inter Milan – report
Jose Mourinho could turn to an unconventional solution when Real Madrid begin their Champions League campaign against Inter Milan, with Trent Alexander-Arnold being considered for a midfield role alon...
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