Xabi Alonso decided to experiment with Trent Alexander-Arnold against RB Salzburg and a compilation of his performance has emerged

Trent Alexander-Arnold played like 'the real Trent' in their Club World Cup clash against RB Salzburg, according to Jude Bellingham, after Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso decided to experiment with his position.

Los Blancos booked their place in the Club World Cup last 16 with a 3-0 win against RB Salzburg, as goals from Vinicius Jr, Federico Valverde and Gonzalo Garcia secured top spot in Group H.

It was an all-round solid performance from Madrid but for many, the standout performer in Philadelphia on Thursday night was summer signing Trent Alexander-Arnold, who was deployed in a more attacking right wing-back role.

Aurelien Tchouameni was shifted into the middle of a back three between Dean Huijsen and Antonio Rudiger, while Trent and Fran Garcia were allowed to push further forward and contribute to attacking phases.

It was an inspired decision from Xabi Alonso as the former Liverpool defender produced some of his trademark passes throughout. In fact, he attempted seven crosses in the first half alone as the Spanish side dominated for large spells.

Under Liverpool manager Arne Slot last season, Trent's crosses per 90 were his lowest ever across a Premier League campaign as he played in a more conventional full-back role, but Alonso decided to give him more freedom going forward against Salzburg.

As you can see below, a compilation of his performance soon emerged, with fans reacting to his display in their droves.

One said: "Trent is a counter attacking machine. His passing range makes him such an unbelievable threat in transition."

A second wrote: "I love the defensive shape when we are attacking. This gives Freedom for Trent and Fran Garcia to operate effectively. Huijsen - Tchouameni- Rudiger," and a third commented: "He was flawless out there. Generational RB."

A fourth said: "Bro that one time cross to Valverde is unreal man. Literally no other player on the planet is playing that ball one time," while a fifth added: "Trent's created so many attacks today bro my heart."

Trent Alexander Arnold vs RB Salzburg pic.twitter.com/TX8KqgHNk3

— 🫵🏽 (@idoxvi) June 27, 2025

Speaking in his post-match press conference on Thursday night, Xabi Alonso gave an insight into his decision to deploy a five-man defence for the first time since replacing Carlo Ancelotti.

“It’s always been in my head, the possibility to be flexible with the systems," he said. "I think the players already have sufficient football intelligence and culture to see what benefits it has, and what it can give us.”

Alonso added: “I think in the first half, we were very stable, we were mature, we had control of the game. We didn’t go too fast, we knew when to wait for the right moment. Bringing the ball out from the back in a 3-2 system, I think Toni [Rudiger] was able to push up.

"The intermediate spaces, Jude was able to supply Vinicius for the opening goal, we also had width. Having that flexibility is something I like, and we can use it when it is called for.”

As mentioned above, Jude Bellingham is said to have acknowledged Trent's performance after their 3-0 win over Salzburg. A report from Defensa Central claims he said: "You're already looking like the real Trent" in the dressing room.