Xabi Alonso tests Trent Alexander-Arnold at Club World Cup

VHO - Different from the way coach Arne Slot used him at Liverpool, Alonso made the most of Trent Alexander-Arnold's classy crossing ability.

In the final match of the FIFA Club World Cup 25 group stage against RB Salzburg, Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso surprised everyone by adjusting the formation, bringing Trent Alexander-Arnold back to his familiar right-back position, and this move has been extremely effective.

To accommodate the move of Aurelien Tchouameni into the middle of a three-man defence alongside new signing Dean Huijsen and veteran Antonio Rudiger, the Spaniard has moved Alexander-Arnold to right-back.

Xabi Alonso made the most of Trent Alexander-Arnold's world-class crossing ability at the Club World Cup. (Photo: Getty Images)

The decision paid off in the first half. The Englishman, with limited defensive responsibilities against a Salzburg side that lacked attacking flair, unleashed his creativity from the right flank. The move allowed Alonso to exploit a skill that Liverpool manager Arne Slot had overlooked last season – Alexander-Arnold’s excellent crossing ability.

Under Slot, the former Liverpool star has been asked to play as a more conventional full-back. However, Alexander-Arnold showed his true potential against Salzburg. He attempted seven crosses in the first half alone, completing three of them, including an impressive left-footed pass that almost went in off Antonio Rudiger's head. Overall, it was a strong first half for the 26-year-old.

In this match, Real Madrid won 2-0 against Salzburg in heavy rain in Philadelphia (USA), with goals from Vinicius Jr and Federico Valverde. Trent was replaced in the 78th minute, after a performance that was considered his best since joining "Los Blancos".

The former Liverpool defender also made a small but symbolic change: He changed his shirt number from 66 (at Liverpool) to 12 at Real Madrid, and the name on the back of his shirt from "Alexander-Arnold" to "Trent" - a new, promising start in the royal white shirt.

According to QUOC TIEP (according to Liverpool.com)/Nguoi Dua Tin

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