Mourinho brings Valverde’s ‘deadly weapon’ back to Real Madrid’s defence

Federico Valverde made an immediate impact in Athens after coming on as a substitute, needing fewer than 30 minutes to reshape Real Madrid’s midfield, create three chances and help lead the press before unleashing a powerful shot from about 25 metres into Bregnoli’s goal.

The strike was Real Madrid’s third of the game, according to Spanish newspaper AS, and secured their seventh consecutive victory. It also kept the positive atmosphere at Valdebebas intact, while moving the club to within touching distance of strengthening their position among the top eight teams.

For Valverde, the goal was a reminder of the form he showed in midfield under Carlo Ancelotti, when he regularly produced spectacular finishes such as the one in Athens.

Ancelotti was among the first managers to use Valverde as a full-back, deploying him there late in a 2021 Champions League match against Sheriff Tiraspol.

However, despite Jose Mourinho’s praise for the Uruguay international during a news conference at Real Madrid City, Valverde is set to return to right-back for the La Liga match against Valencia on 07 November 2026.

“He is an excellent professional and a friend to his team-mates,” Mourinho said. “Although he is not the loudest voice every second, he is always there as an example for everyone.”

Mourinho has used his extensive football experience, combined with what the article describes as an even greater understanding of psychology, to persuade Valverde to gradually adapt to the position.

Neither Trent Alexander-Arnold nor Denzel Dumfries has yet fully convinced the manager. The England international was not poor in Santander, while Dumfries had just provided an assist against AEK, but Mourinho recognised that Valverde at right-back gives other players greater freedom to influence matches.

That switch has also come at an ideal time physically for Valverde. Its benefits have extended beyond the player himself, providing the team with an additional option whose positioning affects both his team-mates and the opposition.

The first clear evidence came against Sevilla, when Valverde made his first start at right-back. He recovered possession six times and won five challenges, the best figures in the team in those categories. He also made three interceptions, two clearances and had one shot blocked by a defender.

His level has not fallen since then, making earlier comments in Almaty seem increasingly distant. At the time, Valverde denied there was a dispute with his then-manager Xabi Alonso over being used at full-back.

“I was not born to play as a full-back,” he said.

Mourinho has now admitted his earlier judgement was wrong and reversed his previous claim that Valverde would not play in the position under his management. He has identified a highly effective weapon and intends to keep using it, while also benefiting from his understanding of how to manage the player.

Valverde’s wider message can be summed up in his own words: “When we all work together and move in the same direction, we become stronger. As captain of the team, I took the step everyone was waiting for me to take, and I am setting an example for my team-mates.”

Mourinho has made Valverde a model of commitment. The next test comes against Valencia at Mestalla, where he is expected to return to right-back.