The Three Ways Trent Alexander-Arnold Could Line Up Under Xabi Alonso at Real Madrid

Real Madrid have signed right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold from Liverpool, agreeing to pay a £8.4 million fee for his early release. 

Los Blancos could have signed the England international for free after the end of his Liverpool contract on June 30. However, with the FIFA World Cup commencing on June 15, the tournament favourites paid a small fee to expedite his arrival.

He will officially sign his six-year Real Madrid contract when the transfer window opens on June 1. Alexander-Arnold leaves Liverpool after lifting eight major honours across 354 appearances since October 2016.

Merseysiders were unhappy with his decision to run down his contract and booed him at Anfield. Rival fans responded by hijacking the public poll and trying to make him Liverpool’s Player of the Season.

A New Era at Real Madrid Under Xabi Alonso

After failing to win even a single major trophy in the 2024/25 season, Real Madrid have gone back to the drawing board. Carlo Ancelotti has made way for Xabi Alonso, marking the beginning of an exciting new era.

The new boss is bringing a plethora of changes, both in of tactics and personnel. Alonso, who won it all as a Madrid player before conquering as Bayer Leverkusen manager, has already signed two players. There could be two more additions before the Club World Cup, with left-back Andreas Carreras and midfielder Angelo Stiller emerging as transfer targets.

Tactically, Ancelotti primarily shuffled between 4-3-3, 4-2-3-1, and 4-4-2. Alonso, meanwhile, prefers a more radical 3-5-2 or 3-4-1-2. Bayer Leverkusen impressed Europe with their balance of offence and defence. They brought excitement without compromising on defensive stability.

Alonso now has one of the most creatively gifted defenders in Alexander-Arnold. And below, SportsCasting takes a look at the top three ways the Spaniard can use the newest Real Madrid arrival.

Real Madrid Starting XI 2025/26: Three Ways Trent Alexander-Arnold Can Line Up Under Xabi Alonso

#3 Trent Alexander-Arnold as a Deep Lying Playmaker

England star Trent Alexander-Arnold possesses an impressive ing range and vision. These assets make him well-suited to fill in as the deep-lying playmaker.

Since Toni Kroos’ departure at the end of the 2023/24 season, Real Madrid have not had a consistent player in that position. Aurelien Tchouameni had some success, but the Frenchman is not necessarily known for his distribution skills.

If Xabi Alonso fancies shuffling things around, Dani Carvajal could fill in as a right wing-back, giving Alexander-Arnold a stab at the DLP position.

#2 Trent Alexander-Arnold as a Right-Back

Xabi Alonso is likely to switch to a back-four in some games. The defensively superior Dani Carvajal will be the default pick in a back-four. But if the Spaniard is not at his best or unavailable, Trent Alexander-Arnold could easily fill in as right back.

Alexander-Arnold spent most of his career playing as a right-back and will be at home. However, the midfielder/winger on his flank will have to work harder to mask his defensive shortcomings.

#1 Trent Alexander-Arnold as a Right Wing-Back

Real Madrid probably would not have gone for a player of Trent Alexander-Arnold’s profile if they did not have plans to use him every single week.

In Xabi Alonso’s preferred 3-5-2 system, Alexander-Arnold will be able to stretch his legs and wreak havoc in the final third. He is one of the best crossers in world football, and this position will allow him to make the most of it.

Jeremie Frimpong, who is set to Liverpool this summer, had a lot of success as a right wing-back under Alonso at Bayer Leverkusen. Considering Alexander-Arnold’s natural ability, we expect him to match or better the Dutchman’s output.