Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso is considering a surprise change to his team’s line-up for the Club World Cup, which could have major consequences for Trent Alexander-Arnold, according to reports.
Alexander-Arnold may lose favorite position
In the most exciting clash of the tournament so far, Real Madrid will face Juventus in the last eight on Tuesday night. The match will be played at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, and the winner will face either Borussia Dortmund or Monterrey in the quarterfinals.
After a solid clash against RB Salzburg, in which Alexander-Arnold impressed as a right wing-back in a five-man defence, the English star promised that “the adjustment period is over”. But now he may be forced back into a more defensive role.
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Back to four on defense?
According to Spanish Diario AS, Alonso is considering returning to a traditional back four against Juventus. This will lead to:
- Alexander-Arnold has to play as a regular right-back
- He loses the offensive freedom he had as a wing-back
- Dani Carvajal is waiting on the bench to take over if he doesn’t impress
Alexander-Arnold himself safe
After the Salzburg game, the 26-year-old stated:
“The adjustment period is over now. Now it’s about showing my best game, helping the team win as many games as possible – starting with this tournament.”
Alexander-Arnold was in the starting line-up for yesterday’s win over Juventus. But the latest games show that Alonso is still experimenting with how best to exploit his new star.
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