Trent, triple agent at Real Madrid
Against Fiorentina, Mourinho devised a plan to use the full-back as an additional midfielder.
The teamsheet handed to the media an hour before Real Madrid’s friendly against Fiorentina in Austria did not deceive anyone. Trent was listed at right-back, while Dumfries was set to make his debut further forward on the wing. But the move concealed a tactical plan from Mourinho, one that only became clear once the match began: the idea of adding an extra midfielder in possession through Trent.
That is the three-dimensional threat the Englishman appears to represent after the 2-2 draw in Klagenfurt. A full-back, because that remains his natural position; a set-piece specialist, because his exquisite delivery is unchanged; and now a build-up option.
The clearest sign of Mourinho’s plan came after Endrick’s opening goal: the only player he summoned to the bench was Trent. For one minute and 29 seconds, Mourinho gave detailed instructions, showing him where he wanted him to cut through Fiorentina with passes that broke lines, in a role reminiscent of the one Huijsen impressed in during last year’s Club World Cup. Defensively, Trent remained a right-back, but when Madrid had possession he drifted into central areas, where he could see more passing lanes than Valverde and, especially, Camavinga, who once again struggled to impose himself.
This midfield version of Trent offers new possibilities, but it also underlines something else: Mourinho lacks a more creative organiser in the centre of the pitch than Valverde and Camavinga can currently provide, with Camavinga filling in for Tchouaméni. It is impossible to ignore that the controlling, rhythm-setting and game-architect role is precisely Rodri’s trademark.
As AS has reported, that move is currently on hold despite the green light given by Real Madrid’s president earlier this week. The club’s immediate priority is to finalise the signing of Diomandé before turning its attention to the world champion. Manchester City are in no hurry, and Rodri has seen the balance of the negotiations begin to tilt in his favour.
Mourinho, however, is not standing still. It is not in his nature. The clearest proof is the way he is already searching for solutions with the players available at Valdebebas. And Trent, while awaiting the outcome of the Rodri pursuit, is one of them.
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