Federico Valverde has played at right-back for Real Madrid under Jose Mourinho this season, keeping the debate over his best role in view. Against Villarreal, he set up the winner for Yan Diomande, and on Sunday he started at right-back again against Sevilla.
How Valverde has been used
GOAL says Xabi Alonso had used Valverde at right-back out of tactical necessity. GOAL says Carlo Ancelotti had also used Valverde there before Xabi Alonso.
GOAL says Valverde had previously insisted he was not born to play in the back line. GOAL says Valverde made those remarks in September 2025 during his stay in Almaty, Kazakhstan.
Mourinho's comment
After the Villarreal match, Mourinho addressed Valverde's situation. Mourinho said: "We have two good full-backs, but Fede's situation was exceptional."
AS sought views on his best role
GOAL says Spanish newspaper AS asked Fernando Hierro, Guti, Ivan Campo, Rafael Alkorta and Miguel Torres for their verdicts on Valverde's most suitable role.
Selection against Sevilla
The Real Champs says Real Madrid beat Sevilla at the Bernabeu on Sunday and scored four goals. The Real Champs says Mourinho started Valverde at right back instead of in midfield against Sevilla on Sunday.
The Real Champs says Vinicius Junior was suspended for the Sevilla match. The Real Champs says Endrick and Yan Diomande were given the opportunity to play on the wings against Sevilla on Sunday. The Real Champs says Arda Guler dropped into midfield against Sevilla on Sunday and scored from outside the box. The Real Champs also says Yan Diomande scored against Sevilla on Sunday.