Valverde’s emergence at right-back puts Real Madrid’s signings under pressure

Federico Valverde has become a key option at right-back for Real Madrid after repeatedly excelling in a position he does not prefer, forcing manager Jose Mourinho to reconsider the roles of Trent Alexander-Arnold and Denzel Dumfries.

The Uruguay international’s performances have been among the defining features of Real Madrid’s start to the season, helping improve the team despite circumstances that initially prompted the change.

According to Spanish newspaper AS, Vinicius Junior’s dismissal against Villarreal led to Valverde returning to right-back. He produced an outstanding display in El Clasico before being substituted in the 62nd minute because he was unable to continue.

Valverde created Diomande’s goal – the player’s first for Real Madrid – and was joint top for chances created, with three alongside Diomande. He also completed 12 passes in the final third, second only to Arda Guler’s 18.

Defensively, Valverde recovered possession four times, made two interceptions and one clearance, and won his only attempted tackle. He won four of five duels and was not dribbled past during the match.

He had started the return fixture in Rome as one of two holding midfielders alongside Aurelien Tchouameni. However, Arda Guler’s introduction for Dumfries, who had been playing at right-back that night, confirmed a likely change in the team’s structure.

Valverde’s return to the flank has coincided with Alexander-Arnold and Dumfries disappearing from the regular starting XI, despite both normally playing at right-back.

Alexander-Arnold joined Real Madrid in summer 2025 after becoming an available option as his contract approached its end. The club had been seeking a natural replacement for Dani Carvajal.

Real Madrid paid 12m euros to allow Alexander-Arnold to play in the FIFA Club World Cup. He impressed with his assists but also exposed some defensive weaknesses. Repeated muscle injuries added to his difficulties: he suffered three, two of which kept him out for lengthy periods, and made only 30 appearances – 21 in La Liga and nine in the UEFA Champions League.

This season, Alexander-Arnold played as one of two holding midfielders against Inter because Arda Guler, Eduardo Camavinga and Bernardo Silva were unavailable. Since Mourinho switched to Valverde at right-back, however, Alexander-Arnold has played only 53 minutes – 52 against Villarreal and one in El Clasico.

Dumfries joined from Inter this year for 20m euros and has featured in 10 of Real Madrid’s 13 competitive matches, playing close to 600 minutes.

During the September international break, Xavi used him for 350 of a possible 360 minutes. Yet Mourinho, who explicitly requested his signing, has not given him sustained opportunities at Real Madrid.

Asked about Alexander-Arnold and Dumfries earlier in the season, Mourinho said: “It is not possible to think that one of them will play 60 matches while the other plays no matches. Or that one plays 10 matches and the other 50. This is not possible, because we have great quality.”

With Valverde currently Mourinho’s preferred right-back, the pair face a difficult situation. Their next opportunity comes against Racing Santander on 01 November 2026, with Valverde ruled out because he has not fully recovered from the injury sustained against Barcelona. The final decision remains with Mourinho.