Mourinho's bold midfield gamble sees Alexander‑Arnold start for Real in Champions League win over Inter Milan on Tuesday

Jose Mourinho's bold tactical gamble saw Trent Alexander‑Arnold start in midfield for Real Madrid in their 2‑1 Champions League win over Inter Milan on Tuesday, a decisive switch that sparked immediate debate. The Image source, Getty Images Image caption shows the England international positioned centrally, underlining Mourinho's willingness to reshuffle his side despite the player's limited starts this season.

Past experiments with the England full‑back

Gareth Southgate first tried Alexander‑Arnold in midfield for England during Euro 2024, deploying him in the group stage before abandoning the experiment after two games. Jurgen Klopp, whose Liverpool gameplan has always relied on the right‑back’s ability to drift centrally, similarly praised his passing and set‑piece skill. Yet both managers ultimately concluded that the England international is not a natural midfielder.

At Real Madrid, the 27‑year‑old has started only twice this season, the latest being the Champions League tie against Inter Milan. After the suspensions to Eduardo Camavinga, Arda Guler and Bernardo Silva, Mourinho’s selection was forced, leaving the Portuguese coach short of options in the centre of the park.

Mixed performance in the Champions League win

In the first half Alexander‑Arnold created two chances and attempted more crosses than any other Real player, but his passing accuracy slipped to 83.3 percent and he failed to win a single tackle. He partnered Federico Valverde in midfield, offering a different engine but struggling with the physical intensity.

Mourinho substituted Alexander‑Arnold shortly after Inter pulled one back on 77 minutes, prompting whistles from the crowd. The Portuguese manager later admitted the England international “has lost some balls because it is not the same to play in this position compared to at right‑back” and that he gave “100 % and left the pitch with nothing left to give.”

Real’s 2‑1 victory keeps them in contention in the latest Champions League table, maintaining pressure on rivals as the group stage progresses. Mourinho remains uncertain about a permanent right‑back, with Denzel Dumfries also vying for the spot, meaning Alexander‑Arnold may return to his traditional defensive role.