Real Madrid boss José Mourinho has said Trent Alexander-Arnold "is not a midfielder" despite deploying him in the middle of the park in the Champions League clash against Inter Milan.
Alexander-Arnold was fielded alongside Federico Valverde in the 2-1 win over the Italian side on Tuesday in what was just his second start of the season.
The England international's ball-playing abilities have seen him used in midfield for England and Liverpool previously, but this was the first time Mourinho has departed from playing him at right-back.
"He has played midfield with England and Liverpool... but he is not a midfielder," Mourinho said post-match.
"He has played very well. He has interpreted what he needed to really well, tactically.
"Both him and Valverde have worked very well at this level."
Alexander-Arnold faces stiff competition at right-back this season following the summer signing of Denzel Dumfries. The Netherlands international has started three of Madrid's four LaLiga games this season, as well as their Champions League opener.
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Suspensions for Eduardo Camavinga, Arda Güler and Bernardo Silva opened up a spot in the starting lineup for Alexander-Arnold.
"It's hard for Trent," Mourinho said.
"I appreciate the effort he made, but with his characteristics, the specificity needed to play full-back or central midfield, it's completely different physically.
"He had some losses of the ball, because it's not the same playing with the whole field in front of you, and playing with half the field behind you. He's played there a few times with Liverpool and the national team, but, it's completely different.
"He didn't have more to give."
