Valverde uncovers a 30M problem

Fede Valverde has made a case to establish himself as the right-back of Real Madrid after the 4-1 victory against Sevilla on October 18th. José Mourinho opted for the Uruguayan in that position, leaving Trent Alexander-Arnold and Denzel Dumfries on the bench, two recent Real Madrid signings who must now compete to regain their spot.

Fede Valverde enhances Real Madrid's balance

Mourinho's decision had consequences beyond the defense. With Valverde on the right, the coach could position Arda Güler in midfield alongside Aurélien Tchouaméni and Jude Bellingham, a combination that provided the team with more resources to organize possession and link up with the forwards.

Güler took responsibility in creating chances and scored the first goal of the match. Madrid ended up winning 4-1, with a brace from Kylian Mbappé and another goal from Yan Diomande. The result endorsed a lineup that allowed the coach to combine Valverde's physicality with the Turkish player's distribution.

The Uruguayan also excelled defensively. According to data published by AS, he recorded six recoveries, five duels won, and a 90% pass accuracy against Sevilla. His performance strengthens the possibility of Mourinho sticking with this setup in upcoming matches.

The absence of Vinícius Júnior facilitated the offensive adjustments in that match, but Valverde's usefulness on the right flank is not solely dependent on that absence. His versatility allows the coach to alternate between a deeper full-back and a midfielder who can join the midfield during the game.

🚨 JUST IN: Fede Valverde is OPEN to playing on the right flank. He is COMFORTABLE with it. Fede is expected to play at RW or RB vs Barcelona. @diarioas https://t.co/uPSzaE63Ue

— Madrid Xtra (@MadridXtra) October 20, 2026

Trent Alexander-Arnold and Denzel Dumfries facing a new scenario

Valverde's performance raises a question for sports planning: Real Madrid has invested in two right-backs in consecutive seasons. Alexander-Arnold joined from Liverpool in 2025, with a contract until 2031. Although his signing was initially planned for a later date, the club paid around 10 million euros to advance his arrival and have him ready for the Club World Cup.

A year later, Madrid brought in Dumfries from Inter in a deal worth 20 million euros. The Dutchman, aged 30, signed until June 30, 2030 to compete for a starting position after Dani Carvajal's departure.

Both signings offer different options: Alexander-Arnold is known for his distribution and ability to create play from the back, while Dumfries brings physicality and offensive presence. However, neither started against Sevilla, indicating that Mourinho is willing to alter the planned order if he believes the team gains balance with Valverde.

The cost of full-backs increases the pressure

The discussion also has an economic dimension. Capology estimates Alexander-Arnold's total annual compensation at around 31.67 million euros gross, including estimated bonuses, and Dumfries's at around 13.02 million euros. These figures are indicative and not officially confirmed salaries by the club.

If Valverde secures his position, the coach will have to find minutes for two players specifically acquired for that role. This does not necessitate an immediate sale for Madrid, but it could influence future squad decisions and the allocation of wage resources.

Fede Valverde's next test will be to maintain that level when the schedule demands rotations and the team faces tougher opponents. If Mourinho confirms his choice, the Uruguayan's performance could alter the hierarchy at right-back and force Real Madrid to reconsider how it utilizes Alexander-Arnold and Dumfries.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Valverde destapa un problema de 30M