TRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD has been handed a surprise new position by Jose Mourinho.
The Real Madrid star was selected in the starting XI of the Champions League fixture against Inter Milan.
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Trent, 27, made his name at Liverpool playing at right-back and was one of the most creative in his role in Europe.
However, since arriving at Real in the summer of 2025 on a free transfer he has failed to recreate the same level of form.
Mourinho is now giving the England international a chance to impress in midfield against the Italian giants.
Trent was picked to play alongside Jude Bellingham and Federico Valverde.
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He would also be coming up against former Liverpool team-mate Curtis Jones.
The midfielder swapped Anfield for the San Siro in the summer in a £25.7million deal.
Fans were thrilled to see Alexander-Arnold given the chance further up the pitch.
One posted: “Trent Alexander-Arnold in the midfield today, going to be fire.”
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Tuesday 8 September
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A second wrote: “Trent Arlond – Jude Bellingham. ARE STARTING TOGETHER TONIGHT.”
A third commented: “Where Trent belongs.”
A fourth said: “Trent is going to show what everyone has been missing.”
Another added: “Mourinho knows what he is doing.”
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It is not the first time in Trent’s career that he has been selected to play in midfield.
Gareth Southgate experimented with the idea during Euro 2024 with Kyle Walker the first choice in the right-back role.
However, Trent’s most recent caps have seen him resume his position at full-back.
He also played in the position a handful of times during his 354 appearances for the Reds.
In 2023, Trent spoke about potentially transitioning to be a midfielder.
He said: “I think with an idea of moving into midfield and the idea of playing in midfield, I still have those ideas in my head.
“Everyone sees the game differently.
“I have always had that view [of being a creator], and when I first transitioned into becoming a full-back, I wanted to change how it was played for me, not just for the game in general, but more so for me.
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“How I can get the best out of myself by doing those things, how I can still perform to the level I need to, and I expect from myself, and offer those things to the game from a full-back position.
“To change how people interpret the role and how people see it.
“I am sure in a midfield role that will potentially be the same.
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“I want to create and do things on the pitch, I want to do what I am told to do and whatever role that may be.
“I am sure I will find a way to make it work, that brings the best out of me.”