In the middle again - but Mourinho says Alexander-Arnold 'not a midfielder'

Trent Alexander-Arnold was back in midfield for Real Madrid, but Jose Mourinho’s message after the narrow win over Inter Milan was clear: the England international may be able to play there, but he is not a midfielder.

“He has played midfield with England and Liverpool... but he is not a midfielder,” Mourinho said after Real’s 2-1 Champions League victory. He praised Alexander-Arnold’s tactical understanding and said he had “played very well,” alongside Federico Valverde.

The experiment was largely forced by circumstances. Eduardo Camavinga, Arda Guler and Bernardo Silva were suspended, leaving Mourinho short of options. Alexander-Arnold created two chances and attempted more crosses than any other Real player, but he did not win a tackle and completed 83.3% of his passes. He left the field shortly after Inter pulled a goal back in the 77th minute, as whistles rang around the Bernabeu.

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He has played midfield with England and Liverpool... but he is not a midfielder.

Those whistles may have reflected frustration with Real’s overall performance rather than with Alexander-Arnold personally. It was the first competitive match in which he and fellow right-back Denzel Dumfries started together. Mourinho still has no settled choice at right-back, leaving Alexander-Arnold competing for a starting place as he did last season with Dani Carvajal.

Mourinho remains impressed by the former Liverpool player’s versatility. Alexander-Arnold can move into central areas, deliver passes, crosses, through balls and set pieces, and contribute to attacks from midfield positions. But despite valuing those qualities, Mourinho does not appear ready to make a permanent midfield role part of his plan.

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He has played very well. He has interpreted what he needed to really well, tactically.