Federico Valverde’s position is shaping up to be one of the key tactical questions for Real Madrid ahead of their trip to Barcelona on Sunday.
According to MARCA, the Real Madrid captain is expected to feature out wide again, but whether he starts at right-back or in a more advanced role remains uncertain.
Real Madrid’s victory over Sevilla brought several positives, with Valverde’s performance at right-back among the most encouraging.
After impressing in the same position during the Champions League comeback against AS Roma, he delivered another solid display, strengthening his case as an alternative in a role where neither Trent Alexander-Arnold nor Denzel Dumfries has fully convinced.
Valverde’s versatility could be key
Dumfries is expected to start at right-back against RB Leipzig on Wednesday, but the bigger question is where Valverde will play in Sunday’s Clasico at the Spotify Camp Nou.
Subject to what happens in the Champions League, the signs point towards the Madrid captain featuring on the right flank against the league leaders.
Another shift at right-back? (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
Arda Guler’s performances in the double pivot have provided Real Madrid with an important source of creativity, with Aurelien Tchouameni offering defensive protection alongside the Turkish midfielder.
That leaves Mourinho with a decision to make over Valverde’s starting position. The question is not necessarily which side of the pitch he will occupy, but how high up the flank he will operate.
Playing at right-back remains a possibility, but Valverde could also move further forward to act as a right winger, potentially forming a complementary partnership with Dumfries behind him.
This would give Real Madrid a more defensively secure right flank while allowing Valverde to contribute in attack.
It also appears unlikely that Mourinho will risk starting Endrick on the right wing against Barcelona.
The Brazilian has shown that he can make an impact from the bench, as he did in Rome, but at this stage of his career he is better suited to the role of an impact substitute than a regular starting option in such a demanding fixture.
Pace could be crucial
Valverde could exploit Barcelona’s high-line playing as a winger. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
Playing as a winger would be nothing new for Valverde, who has occupied that position on numerous occasions during his Real Madrid career, particularly under Carlo Ancelotti.
With Dumfries providing cover behind him, the Uruguayan would have greater freedom to attack the spaces ahead of him.
His power, pace and long stride make him particularly effective when driving into open areas, potentially giving Real Madrid another weapon against Barcelona.
Valverde’s versatility has long been one of his greatest strengths, and Mourinho, like the Madrid managers who came before him, has been keen to make use of it.
Whether Mourinho uses him as a full-back or pushes him further forward, Valverde’s role could have a significant influence on how Real Madrid approach El Clasico.