Surprise with Trent, Xabi Alonso tells him about his future: 'You're not going to play...'

Trent Alexander-Arnold has been one of the most relevant additions in the transfer market for a rebuilding Real Madrid. The right-back had been a serious problem after Lucas's drop in performance and Carvajal's injury. However, for the coach from San Sebastián, things with the Englishman will take a completely different direction in the most important matches.

"You're not going to play as a right-back in the important matches, you'll be a midfielder," were Alonso's words to the Brit. With this, the scheme of the Merengue side in defense changes considerably for high-stakes matches. It can be inferred then that Dani Carvajal will be the one in charge of taking the reins on his preferred flank for the newly started season.

Trent changes role

We already know what Arnold can bring to the white team on the right flank, with the Club World Cup serving as a reference for that. However, for Alonso, the impact he could have as a possible playmaker in the center of the field is even greater. Especially considering the great gift he has for passing between the lines and his ball distribution worthy of a top-level star.

The debut match for the white side against Osasuna made it clear that they need a footballer who knows how to bring speed to the game in the center. This characteristic is one of the main ones for an Arnold who has proven he can play there since Liverpool. Klopp showed that side of him during his time in charge of the "reds," and now Alonso sees it as a more than viable option.

On the defensive side, the Englishman's shortcomings are evident, as he has left many gaps in matches where there wasn't even that much pressure. For this reason, being able to turn to this facet of the player could be the path the Merengue coach takes. However, it's still something we'll have to see how it develops in case it does become a 100% definitive decision.

A new face for the Englishman

Maybe this is the trigger for Real Madrid not to go to the market in search of another midfielder for the team. Alonso sees in the Englishman a profile that could balance the scales in terms of organization beyond the offensive side. Although in the end, the one who has to earn trust in the matches will be Arnold, who must show his worth in this new role.