Alonso ‘to make Real Madrid change’ for Alexander-Arnold after Liverpool exit – Exclusive
Liverpool fans are far from happy with Trent Alexander-Arnold’s expected move to Real Madrid.
Alexander-Arnold has spent his entire career at Anfield so far, but is now departing his boyhood club to likely join Real Madrid on a free transfer.
The right-back has received heavy criticism from large sections of the Liverpool fanbase, and many cannot understand why he will make the move, for sporting or personal reasons.
Liverpool won the Premier League with ease this season, while Real Madrid crashed out of the title race and Champions League badly in what has been a poor campaign, but they could be set for a huge improvement now.
Xabi Alonso to change Real Madrid formation for Alexander-Arnold
The England international’s defensive work has been a big point of criticism over the years, but incoming manager Xabi Alonso now has a plan in place to solve this issue at Madrid.
At Liverpool, Alexander-Arnold has played in a back four, and while his ability on the ball is second to none, there are times when he leaves the right side exposed.
Speaking exclusively to Liverpool News, Real Madrid broadcaster Nikita Petlyakov claimed that Alonso could be set to switch to a three-at-the-back formation, with Alexander-Arnold pushing further up the pitch.
“Alexander-Arnold to Real Madrid is a phenomenal transfer,” Petlyakov explained.
“With Xabi Alonso possibly switching to a back three and Florentino Perez signing a new defensive midfielder, fans shouldn’t stress about his lack of defending.
“His passing and vision would take our build-up play to another level.”
Real Madrid are clearly delighted to have signed Alexander-Arnold, and Siddarth Mishra from the Real Madrid podcast Let’s Be Real has now explained that his versatility is something which Alonso could seek to utilise.
“His ability to play as a right-back, wing-back, or even step into midfield aligns seamlessly with Madrid’s evolving style. His exceptional technical quality, vision, and passing range would be a delight for Madridistas to watch,” he exclusively told Liverpool News.
Alexander-Arnold could play in different role at Real Madrid
Aside from a small run of games in midfield under Jurgen Klopp, Alexander-Arnold has been solely used as a right-back in a four.
At Real Madrid, he may be enthused by the idea of starting as a wing-back, with more time on the ball and fewer defensive responsibilities, and could even tuck into midfield.
Liverpool could face Alexander-Arnold in the Champions League next season, and while the defender can expect a hostile reception, he will have a point to prove that his move was motivated by footballing reasons as well as the chance for a fresh start at a huge club.
Fans have also criticised his recent comments over his move, but while his time at Anfield is coming to a bitter end, it is clear that he will be regarded as a superstar addition in Madrid.