RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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Mourinho has already decided where Federico Valverde will play for Real Madrid – report
Jose Mourinho appears to have already made one important decision regarding Federico Valverde’s role at Real Madrid.
Despite the Uruguayan’s ability to operate in several positions, the Portuguese manager has no intention of turning him into a regular right-back.
Instead, Valverde is being treated as a key midfield player under Mourinho’s command for the 2026/27 season.
According to an update from Defensa Central , Valverde will continue in midfield when Real Madrid face Deportivo La Coruña in the Teresa Herrera Trophy.
As per the outlet, the 28-year-old is also expected to captain the side once again, with Eduardo Camavinga alongside him.
Mourinho wants versatility but has one Valverde rule
Mourinho has made it clear that versatility will be an important part of his plans at Real Madrid.
Valverde will not play at right-back under Mourinho. (Photo by David Balogh/Getty Images)
The manager wants players who can cover different roles and give him more tactical options during a long season.
On that note, Valverde is arguably one of the best examples of that profile in the squad.
The Uruguayan can influence matches from several areas of the pitch. His energy, physical strength, passing range and ability to cover ground make him an extremely useful player for any manager.
However, Mourinho appears to have drawn a line when it comes to using him at full-back.
Despite Valverde having experience in the position, the Portuguese coach does not currently see him as a solution on the right side of defence.
That stance is significant because Real Madrid have added a specialist option in Denzel Dumfries, while Trent Alexander-Arnold is entering his second season at the club.
Valverde will only play in the midfield. (Photo by Christian Bruna/Getty Images)
With those two players available, Mourinho has little reason to move one of his most important midfielders away from his preferred role.
Valverde faces fierce midfield competition
Keeping Valverde in midfield does not mean his place in the starting XI will always be straightforward.
In fact, Real Madrid’s midfield is becoming one of the most competitive areas of Mourinho’s squad.
Aurelien Tchouameni, Bernardo Silva, Jude Bellingham, Eduardo Camavinga and Arda Güler are all competing for positions in an area already packed with quality.
That makes Valverde’s continued importance particularly interesting.
Rather than moving him to right-back to solve a potential selection problem, Mourinho appears ready to find another solution and keep the Uruguayan where he can have greater influence.
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