The news that Trent Alexander-Arnold is expected to start at right-back against Elche while Fede Valverde returns to midfield brings an interesting twist to Real Madrid’s tactical setup. This match was already framed as a meaningful test for both sides, but these adjustments add new layers that could strongly influence how the game unfolds. For Real Madrid, it is a chance to reassert their identity with a more balanced structure. For Elche, it is a fresh tactical puzzle to solve against a team whose flexibility makes them difficult to predict.
Alexander-Arnold’s expected inclusion at right-back immediately raises curiosity. His profile as a defender is unlike anyone else in Madrid’s squad. Instead of functioning as a traditional full-back, he plays as a hybrid creator, someone who drifts inside, dictates tempo, and provides line-breaking passes from unexpected angles. If Carlo Ancelotti decides to use him in this role, Real Madrid could gain a new dynamic in their buildup. Alexander-Arnold’s ability to progress the ball from deep is world-class, and this will be a concern for Elche, who will need to decide whether to press him aggressively or contain his influence by blocking passing lanes.
At Real Madrid, modern full-backs must be adaptable. The defensive responsibilities in La Liga differ from those in the Premier League, but Alexander-Arnold’s strengths—vision, technique, and creativity—could flourish in Spain’s more possession-based environment. His deeper positioning will allow Real Madrid’s wingers, especially Vinícius or Mbappé depending on the starting lineup, to push higher and isolate defenders one-on-one. This gives Madrid both width and unpredictability. Elche’s players will need to be extremely disciplined, because Trent’s interior movements tend to drag defenders out of position and open spaces for Madrid’s attackers to exploit.
Meanwhile, Fede Valverde’s return to midfield is equally significant. Real Madrid’s midfield, even with all its depth, functions differently depending on Valverde’s presence. His energy, pressing intensity, and box-to-box coverage make him one of the most indispensable players in the squad. When Valverde plays centrally rather than on the wing, Madrid’s transitions become far sharper and more stable. He recovers possession quickly, drives the ball forward with power, and helps the team maintain structural balance—allowing creative players like Bellingham or Modrić to operate with greater freedom.
Valverde’s verticality is exactly what Madrid often miss when he starts in a wider role. His return to midfield means that Real Madrid will likely play at a faster rhythm, especially in moments when they need to break Elche’s lines. Elche coach Eder Sarabia already expressed respect and admiration for Madrid’s attackers, calling Mbappé and Vinícius dangerous and highlighting Arda Güler as a phenomenon. Adding Valverde into that midfield mix only intensifies the difficulty of stopping Madrid’s flow. Every transition becomes a potential threat, and any mistake from Elche in central areas could lead to a rapid counterattack orchestrated by the Uruguayan dynamo.
The combination of Trent at right-back and Valverde in midfield could also unlock new interactions. Alexander-Arnold’s inverted runs pair naturally with a midfielder like Valverde, who thrives in chaos and is always ready to cover defensive spaces when teammates push forward. The two could form a stabilizing triangle with Aurélien Tchouaméni, giving Real Madrid control in midfield while allowing the forwards to focus purely on attacking. If Real Madrid execute this structure well, they may dominate possession and force Elche to defend deep for long periods.
From Elche’s perspective, the challenge is massive. Sarabia has already shown deep respect for Madrid’s individual talents, but now he must adapt his game plan to confront a Madrid side that may be even more fluid than expected. If Real Madrid control the midfield through Valverde, and if Alexander-Arnold is allowed to dictate play from the back, Elche will struggle to get out of their half. Their pressing must be coordinated, and their lines must remain compact. Any hesitation will be punished.
Still, Elche will not approach the match with fear. Sarabia’s earlier comments reflected belief and ambition—a desire to create something historic. He understands the difficulty but refuses to view the match as a hopeless mission. Elche’s defensive discipline and counterattacking efficiency will be decisive. Their best chances will likely come from exploiting the space left behind if Trent pushes too far inward or if Madrid commit too many bodies forward. Sarabia will focus on quick transitions and moments where Elche can break through wide areas before Madrid reorganize.
The psychological impact of these lineup choices also matters. Real Madrid, with both Trent and Valverde involved, will enter the match with strong confidence. Trent brings a fresh dynamic that energizes supporters and sparks curiosity. Valverde brings the heartbeat, the relentless engine that transforms the team’s tempo. Their presence is a statement: Madrid intend to dominate.
This match will be a test of contrasting identities. Real Madrid aim to control possession, create overloads, and use their superior talent to dismantle Elche. Elche aim to stay compact, remain patient, and strike at the right moments. The battle of tempo—Madrid’s fast transitions versus Elche’s disciplined defensive structure—will shape the game.
If Alexander-Arnold adapts quickly and if Valverde imposes himself as he normally does, Madrid will be difficult to stop. Yet football is never predictable, and Elche have nothing to lose. Sarabia has instilled belief, and his players will step onto the pitch with the intention not just to defend, but to compete.
The stage is set. Madrid sharpen their structure with two key adjustments, while Elche prepare for the most demanding test a La Liga team can face. In matches like these, details become decisive, and the presence of Alexander-Arnold and Valverde ensures that Real Madrid will step into the game with both creativity and intensity at full strength.