Real Madrid has a new right-back

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19/10/26 21:00:00

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Fede Valverde is dominating the latest news from Real Madrid as he has become José Mourinho's new bet for the right-back position in the team. The coach has turned to the Uruguayan due to the performance of Denzel Dumfries and Trent Alexander-Arnold, and his starting role against Sevilla confirmed that the decision could be ongoing.

The change was particularly evident in the last LaLiga match. Valverde started on the right flank in the 4-1 victory against Sevilla, while Denzel Dumfries and Trent Alexander-Arnold waited for their chance from the bench.

Fede Valverde and Tchouameni after Arda Guler’s goal🤍 https://t.co/OArrNTsYvH

— 𝐟𝐞𝐝𝐞𝐯𝐚𝐥𝐯 (@fedevalv_) October 18, 2026

Fede Valverde changes José Mourinho's plans

The decision represents a significant change in José Mourinho's strategy. The coach had mostly used Fede Valverde in midfield, but defensive needs have brought the Uruguayan back to a position he had previously occupied.

This position is not new to Valverde. Carlo Ancelotti had already deployed him as a right-back in certain matches, and Mourinho had also shifted him to that area during games this season. However, against Sevilla, he took a step further by placing him directly in the starting XI.

The move immediately impacts Real Madrid's internal competition. Denzel Dumfries and Alexander-Arnold started the season as natural alternatives for the right side, but the coaching staff has opted for a different solution due to the lack of expected consistency in that position.

Valverde also offers a quality that Mourinho is exploiting: his ability to switch between midfield and fullback during the same match. Against Villarreal, he ended up playing in defense and contributed from that position to Yan Diomande's goal. It's worth noting that Fede Valverde was close to leaving Real Madrid as Enzo Maresca had requested him for Manchester City.

Dumfries and Trent Alexander-Arnold lose ground

The situation now compels Denzel Dumfries and Trent Alexander-Arnold to regain their footing. Both were substitutes against Sevilla, and Valverde played almost the entire match before being substituted towards the end.

The switch also comes at a cost to the midfield. Fede Valverde has always favored playing in central positions, but Mourinho has other options for that area. Against Sevilla, he opted for Aurélien Tchouaméni and Arda Güler, allowing the Uruguayan to cover the right flank.

Valverde performs better freed on the right flank

Mourinho had previously considered using Valverde as a full-back for specific situations. A string of games has altered that scenario: he ended up in that position against Villarreal and Roma and was subsequently named a starter there against Sevilla.

The upcoming test could determine the definitive hierarchy in the position. Real Madrid now faces matches against RB Leipzig in the Champions League and FC Barcelona in LaLiga. If Fede Valverde reappears as a right-back in those games, Dumfries and Trent Alexander-Arnold will receive a clear signal: regaining the starting role will depend on displacing a player who initially was not even a competitor for their position.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, El Real Madrid tiene nuevo lateral diestro