According to Diario AS, Real Madrid drew 2-2 with Fiorentina, and Alexander-Arnold was assigned triple duties by Mourinho: right-back, set-piece taker, and playmaker.

Real Madrid played a friendly match against Fiorentina in Austria, and the starting lineup sent to the media an hour before the match was not misleading. Alexander-Arnold played as Real Madrid's right-back, while Dumfries made his debut ahead of him as a winger. However, behind this arrangement was Mourinho's tactical plan, which only became apparent after the game started: to add an extra midfielder in attack, and that person was Alexander-Arnold.

Based on the 2-2 draw in Klagenfurt, this is the triple threat Alexander-Arnold now represents. He is still a full-back, which is obvious; he is also a set-piece weapon, as his exquisite footwork remains; and now, he has become an option for the team's attacking organization.

The full manifestation of Mourinho's strategy appeared after Endrick scored the 1-0 goal. The only person he called to the sideline was Alexander-Arnold. Mourinho spent 1 minute and 29 seconds instructing him, telling him where he wanted him to deliver "surgical" passes that penetrate the defense. This was somewhat similar to Huijsen's impressive performance in the previous Club World Cup. Because Alexander-Arnold is a full-back when defending, but once Real Madrid has possession, he moves centrally, seeing more passing lanes than Valverde, and especially Camavinga, who had another poor afternoon.

The organizer precedes the architect.

Placing Alexander-Arnold in a midfield position can be understood as developing more of his capabilities; but another interpretation is that Mourinho clearly feels the team lacks a more ball-holding, organizing role in midfield, which Valverde and Camavinga are currently unable to fully provide. Camavinga is essentially temporarily filling Tchouaméni's role. Everyone knows that the ability to connect, control, and structure the game is Rodri's hallmark.

As Diario AS previously reported, although the Real Madrid president gave the green light earlier this week, this operation is currently on hold. Real Madrid's current focus is on finalizing Diomande's transfer before dealing with the world champion. Manchester City is not rushing, and Rodri himself sees that this deal now has a favorable wind. Meanwhile, Mourinho will not stop, it's not in his character. The best proof is that he is looking for solutions with the players currently available at Valdebebas. While waiting for the outcome of the Rodri deal, Alexander-Arnold is one such option.

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