Real Madrid has once again confirmed the usefulness of FedeValverde on the right wing, a position that XabiAlonso had indicated as the most suitable for the Uruguayan player. Last season, under Mourinho, Valverde was most effective when assigned to the full-back or winger role, rather than his usual double central pivot position. The coach has observed that Valverde's presence on the wing not only provides quality with the ball, but also tactical advantages such as pressure without the ball, the ability to occupy spaces and contribution to goals, elements that are essential for the team's scheme.
The change in position was evident in key games, such as the victory over Villarreal and the victory against Roma in the Champions League. In both matches, Valverde showed a performance superior to what he had offered in his central role, which has led Mourinho to increasingly value his versatility. The Uruguayan, for his part, has declared that his goal is to help the team regardless of the position assigned to him by the coach, although he has expressed on occasions that he does not feel “born to be a right back.”
This situation has generated an internal debate within Real Madrid about the best way to take advantage of Valverde's abilities. While some analysts and fans consider that his greatest contribution comes on the wing, others believe that his experience in the center remains valuable. Despite the divergences, the consensus is that Valverde's presence on the right is an option that the coaching staff does not hesitate to explore in the next matches.
As the season progresses, Real Madrid will continue to evaluate Valverde's performance on the right wing. If he maintains his level of effectiveness, the position is likely to become a constant in the starting lineup. The club, for its part, will continue to search for the optimal combination of players to maximize its performance in the league and in European competitions, while Valverde remains a key element in Mourinho's strategy.