Real Madrid: José Mourinho's plan B if Rodri deal falls through

This summer, Real Madrid has made Rodri its top priority to strengthen the midfield. Should the pursuit fail, José Mourinho already appears ready to activate a plan B.

According to AS, José Mourinho has already started working on an internal solution. In fact, during the friendly match against Fiorentina, the Madrid boss deployed Trent Alexander-Arnold in a new, hybrid role, far beyond his usual position as a right-back.

The England international drifted away from his flank to operate at the heart of the action, transforming into a genuine playmaker capable of breaking lines with his passing. The idea is clear: to temporarily compensate for the lack of a true midfield maestro—a role Rodri embodies perfectly.

Read also: Real Madrid: new offer from Florentino Pérez for Vinicius Jr

José Mourinho still holds Federico Valverde and Eduardo Camavinga in high regard, but believes neither possesses the Spanish midfielder's unique ability to dictate the tempo of a match. Rodri remains a top priority for Real Madrid, with talks expected to resume once other transfer business is wrapped up.

Precise on set pieces and now utilized as a box-to-box midfielder in the build-up, Trent Alexander-Arnold could well become the perfect backup option if the 2024 Ballon d'Or winner ultimately remains at Manchester City.

Joshua SOSSOU

Editorfr, en, ar

As a sports fan, and particularly a football fan, I've been putting my writing talent to good use for a number of years now to promote African talent and the continent's football in general. On Foot Africa, enjoy reading each of my lines.

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