With rumors and leaks from journalists and sports influencers about the potential move of Trent Alexander-Arnold, both Real Madrid and Liverpool fanbases have practically come to peace with the inevitable of the Scouser moving to the Spanish capital on a free transfer. But does the prolific right back with all his flare in passing, tactically fit in the current Los Blancos set-up?
One of the definite weak links of the current Madrid squad is their full-back positions on both flanks. Real Madrid never really replaced Marcelo once he left, going down the defensive route while facing problems there as well. But the major worry comes in the lateral opposite of the position, especially in the current 2024/25 season.
The season-ending injury to Dani Carvajal, with Lucas Vazquez underperforming, has forced Carlo Ancelotti to play Federico Valverde as right-back, as he has emerged as the stop-gap solution to almost any problem in the Madrid squad.
But the problem remains, and it's not just the right back spot that is looming large. The lack of creativity from the midfield after Toni Kroos's retirement has also been a tactical tweak Ancelotti had to adapt to.
Trent Alexander-Arnold ticks more boxes than one at Real Madrid
Of course, with players like Jude Bellingham, the team reaps rewards, but he seems to have adapted to a larger forward role, playing the number 10 or false 9 at certain junctures of the game.
Valverde, Camavinga, Ceballos or Tchouameni have all been industrious at the heart of the pitch collectively, but they still could not come up with a handy alternative to the range of passing Kroos possessed. Ancelotti, therefore, still has to rely on the ageing Luka Modric to bring Real Madrid some control on the pitch.
So, in reality there are two major worries at the current squad- creative awareness and the lack of a reliable right back. To the naked eye, this is a perfect plaster over the cracks. Truth be told, Trent's passing and vision would be a paradise in plate for the pacey wingers of Madrid. Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr are two of the fastest players in the world.
Rodrygo on the other hand is a variable alternative who can run in, inside out, from either flank. The long diagonals or 40-yard lobs by Trent into the box would be everything his English companion Bellingham would ask for, playing the attacking midfielder role.
All in all, a move that completely makes sense in Ancelotti's books, but there also looms large a question: is Ancelotti there after the season? Is it the last season for Ancelotti, and in that case, where does Trent fit into a new set up that might possibly not be 4-3-3? Questions pertain, but what can be said right now - in case football's worst-kept secret is out in the open - is that Trent would not be a tactical misfit.