Gareth Southgate tried Trent Alexander Arnold in midfield for England at Euro 2024, but ended the experiment after just two group stage matches.
At Liverpool, Jurgen Klopp regularly built his tactics around Alexander Arnold moving into central areas from his starting position at right back, allowing him to use his passing range to influence the game.
Now Jose Mourinho has also tested the 27 year old in midfield, selecting him for Real Madrid’s 2 to 1 Champions League victory over Inter Milan on Tuesday.
Alexander Arnold has found it difficult to secure a regular place as Real Madrid’s first choice full back since joining the Spanish club last summer. His latest role in midfield raises the possibility that he could find greater consistency in a central position.
However, Mourinho made it clear after the match that he does not consider Alexander Arnold a natural midfielder.
“He has played midfield with England and Liverpool, but he is not a midfielder,” Mourinho said after the narrow victory.
The Portuguese coach praised the player’s tactical understanding and said both Alexander Arnold and Federico Valverde performed well in the role.
Mourinho said he was very grateful for Alexander Arnold’s contribution but suggested that the midfielder experiment is unlikely to become a regular feature.
The decision was largely influenced by circumstances. Eduardo Camavinga, Arda Guler and Bernardo Silva were unavailable because of suspensions, leaving Mourinho with limited midfield options.
Alexander Arnold started alongside Valverde and produced a mixed performance. He created two chances and attempted more crosses than any other Real Madrid player, but he failed to win a tackle. His passing accuracy was 83.3 percent.
He was replaced soon after Inter Milan scored to make the match closer in the 77th minute. Some supporters inside the stadium responded with whistles, although the reaction may have been directed at Real Madrid’s overall display rather than Alexander Arnold himself.
The match was also the first competitive game in which Alexander Arnold and fellow right back Denzel Dumfries started together. The pair had previously featured together in a preseason friendly against Fiorentina, with Alexander Arnold playing at right back and Dumfries operating higher up the same flank.
Mourinho has yet to settle on a permanent first choice right back. Alexander Arnold faced competition from Dani Carvajal last season and is now competing with Dumfries for the position.
However, BBC Sport understands that Mourinho has been impressed by the England international, including his attitude, qualities and ability to play in different positions.
Mourinho also sees Alexander Arnold as different from many traditional full backs because of his willingness and ability to move into central areas and help create attacks from midfield.
His passing, crossing, through balls and set piece deliveries remain among his major strengths.
Alexander Arnold has previously shown that he can contribute from a central position. In June 2023, he wore England’s number 10 shirt during a European Championship qualifier against Malta. England won 4 to 0 and Alexander Arnold scored from midfield.
At the time, he said the position felt comfortable and natural despite not having played there regularly, suggesting that he could see himself taking on the role in the future.
Southgate continued considering Alexander Arnold as a central option over the following year, but eventually abandoned the idea after England drew 1 to 1 with Denmark. Alexander Arnold was substituted before the hour mark.
Mourinho acknowledged after the Inter Milan match that playing in midfield still presents challenges for the player.
He explained that Alexander Arnold had given the ball away on several occasions because the demands of midfield are different from those of playing at right back. Mourinho also pointed to the physical intensity of the position, while praising the player for giving everything he had until being substituted.