Trent Alexander-Arnold could be set to discover a new position at Real Madrid under José Mourinho, with the Portuguese coach reportedly considering using the England international in midfield during the 2026/27 season.
José Mourinho has repeatedly explained that pre-season matches are mainly designed to help players regain match fitness while also giving the coaching staff an opportunity to experiment with different tactical systems and individual roles. Real Madrid’s preparations have already provided several examples of that approach.
Mourinho’s preferred 4-2-3-1 formation has occasionally shifted into a 4-3-3 depending on the phase of play, while Denzel Dumfries has also been deployed much higher up the pitch, almost as a right winger. Bernardo Silva, meanwhile, has been tested in several different positions since arriving at the Santiago Bernabéu.
The Portuguese midfielder has notably featured in the double pivot, an area of the team that continues to generate plenty of discussion. At present, everything suggests that Federico Valverde and Bernardo Silva are the favourites to start together in midfield when Real Madrid face Espanyol in their opening Liga fixture.
Trent Alexander-Arnold as Mourinho’s X-factor?
However, Mourinho is unlikely to stop experimenting once competitive football begins. According to journalist Mario Cortegana of The Athletic, the Real Madrid coach already has another tactical idea in mind, although he has not yet been able to fully test it.
That plan could involve using Trent Alexander-Arnold in midfield.
The Englishman has previously operated in more central areas during his career, particularly under Jürgen Klopp at Liverpool, where he frequently moved inside from right-back during possession. He has also been tested as a midfielder for England.
According to the report, Alexander-Arnold would not initially be Mourinho’s first-choice option in midfield, but the Portuguese coach is considering the possibility of using him there when circumstances require it.
For Mourinho, versatility is an extremely important quality. The experienced manager has repeatedly highlighted his preference for players who can perform several different functions within the same tactical system.
Alexander-Arnold certainly fits that profile. Although primarily regarded as a right-back, his technical qualities have always made him an unusual defender. His vision, passing range and ability to dictate the tempo of possession are characteristics normally associated with elite midfielders.
His long-range distribution could also provide Real Madrid with another weapon when trying to break defensive lines or quickly switch the direction of an attack.
A natural evolution for Trent
🚨 MOURINHO quiere probar a Trent Alexander-Arnold como MEDIOCENTRO
— Madrid Sports (@MadridSports_) August 20, 2026
Aunque no es el plan A, el portugués estudiará colocar al inglés en el centro del campo para aprovechar su visión de juego y calidad en el pase@MarioCortegana @TheAthleticFC pic.twitter.com/cmPBM42Dsh
In reality, Alexander-Arnold already behaves like an additional midfielder in many attacking situations. When Real Madrid dominate possession, he naturally moves into central areas to participate in the build-up and create numerical superiority.
Mourinho could therefore decide to take that tactical tendency even further by officially deploying him in midfield during certain matches.
Nothing suggests that Alexander-Arnold will permanently abandon the right-back position, but his ability to operate centrally could become an important tactical alternative for Real Madrid.
With Mourinho looking to build a flexible and unpredictable team, the English international could become one of the most intriguing pieces of the Portuguese coach’s tactical puzzle this season.
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