Real Madrid’s Alonso Lauds Valverde After Tactical Switch for Tired Trent

Real Madrid head coach Xabi Alonso said he shifted midfielder Federico Valverde to right-back late in the match because regular starter Trent Alexander-Arnold was fatigued. "Trent was a bit tired, so we put Fede there," Alonso told reporters after the game.

Alonso praised Valverde’s versatility, calling the Uruguay international “a top-class player” who can “do everything, and do it perfectly.” The coach added that the club remains “very happy with Trent,” underscoring that the tactical switch was precautionary rather than a reflection on the England defender’s form.