If looking at the numbers, Trent Alexander-Arnold's performance at the FIFA Club World Cup was quite quiet. The English star only had 1 assist, few familiar long passes across the pitch and had to miss the semi-final loss to PSG 0-4 due to injury. However, from a tactical perspective, this is a summer that marks many important "firsts" for Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Previously, under Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool, Alexander-Arnold was experimented with a central role, supporting the midfield in ball circulation. However, when Arne Slot came on as a replacement, he returned more often as a pure full-back. The main task is to keep the crossbar, coordinate with the cross half or Mohamed Salah, and minimize adventurous passes across the line.
Slot himself admitted: Liverpool last season tried to take every opportunity to play behind the opponent's defense. However, that made the match too open. I ask them to consider more between the risks and the benefits.
As a result, Alexander-Arnold's opportunities index has fallen sharply compared to previous campaigns. The "Three Lions" player passed less, mainly focusing on deploying the ball from the back, especially on the right wing.
However, at Real Madrid, things are different. In the tournament last June, Alexander-Arnold had almost no chance to make familiar long passes. He was deployed as a right-back in a 4-4-2 formation in the first few matches, then pushed up to the wing-back in the following matches.
Real Madrid's imbalance is a highlight when the team often deploys attacks on the left wing, where Vinicius Junior and Kylian Mbappe operate. As a result, Alexander-Arnold was often "forgotten" on the opposite wing, with few partners to coordinate with. In addition, not being good at dribbling the ball in front of him forced him to pass or launch unusual crosses.
The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup is Xabi Alonso's first tournament at Real Madrid. Therefore, the 43-year-old coach has created many experimentes, in order to prepare for the upcoming season. This also forced Alexander-Arnold to practice getting used to different positions.
In the match against Salzburg, Alexander-Arnold was used as a wing-back. He participated in more ball situations but was still limited in creativity. Real Madrid's new signings usually only have Jude Bellingham or Federico Valverde to coordinate in addition to crosses.
On the contrary, when Real played with 4 defenders, he had more screen time. The match against Dortmund was an example when Alexander-Arnold often got involved and made accurate long-range passes. A typical situation is the English defender retreating to the middle of the defense, making a long pass that put Vinicius Jr in a favorable counter-attacking position.
More importantly, in the 4-man formation, Trent received support from Valverde and Bellingham, creating a triangle to coordinate to help Trent penetrate and launch a cross for Fran Garcia to score.
Xabi Alonso praised the game: Trent had to choose when to go up and when to go deep. However, Valverde was too comprehensive, making it easy for him to get by. I am really happy to be coached by such a classy player.
The friendly match with tirol showed the most complete image of Alexander-Arnold in Real Madrid's jersey. For the first time, he played against Alvaro Carreras on the opposite flank, a 4-back formation that brought balance. No longer the scene of large gatherings on the left like under Ancelotti, Los Blancos have all their personnel spread across the pitch.
As a result, Trent had many more passing options. Every time he receives the ball, there are always Brahim Diaz, Arda Guler or Kylian Mbappe waiting to move. In that match, the former Liverpool player left a highlight with his cross-line passes that created the brand.
Xabi Alonso is having to calculate to use Alexander-Arnold appropriately? Alonso could let Trent play as a full-back, then Real have an explosive option on the right, in contrast to the encroachment of Vinicius - Mbappe - Bellingham on the left. However, if arranging a balanced 4-back formation, the 26-year-old defender will have more opportunities to promote his ability to pass long and rotate the ball intelligently.
Recently, the appearance of young talent Franco Mastantuono - a right winger who is affectionate in the middle, promised to open up more scoring space for Trent. When his teammates pull him in, the English right-back will be more comfortable launching crosses or passes through the specialty line.
