He opposes Mourinho's view: Valverde reopens a controversial debate at Real Madrid

A trump card for the Real Madrid coaches

The form of Real Madrid's Uruguayan player, Fede Valverde, has raised plenty of questions at the club in the current period.

"Marca" say Valverde has proven over the years that he can play almost anywhere. The problem? He doesn't shine to the same degree in every role.

Real Madrid are once again debating where best to use the talent of one of their most decisive players. His recent display against Villarreal suggested right-back is the ideal spot to exploit his strengths.

Jude Bellingham told him frankly, after he produced two moments that explain why he stands out: "Man, you're brilliant in every sense of the word. Brilliant at everything. You're the best".

The Englishman's praise lands just as an old question resurfaces: what if the Uruguayan's best work comes at right-back? Valverde tried to settle that discussion last season.

Valverde said at the time: "I wasn't born to play as a full-back, and I didn't train to play in that position from a young age. I don't feel comfortable, because I lack many things and qualities, such as tracking back to defend".

Things change when he plays on the right-hand side, where he can unleash his full potential. There, he becomes a player capable of providing depth, strength, and attacking and defensive runs without needing possession of the ball.

He can change the rhythm of a match with a quick burst from the back, or a precise pass that finds space invisible to most players.

Valverde reopens an uncomfortable debate

He is not a winger or a traditional full-back, and he doesn't need dribbling or constant possession to make a difference.

His greatest danger comes when he finds space to run into, attacking the gaps and using his physical attributes to arrive from deep. He has pace, stamina, powerful shooting, and an exceptional capacity to repeat his attacking efforts.

On the right-hand side, he can combine all of those qualities and surprise opponents with his runs into the space behind. That is where he hurt Villarreal at the Bernabeu with two superb attacks. One ended with Diomande's goal. The other, the one that earned Jude's praise, left Mbappe one-on-one with the goalkeeper.

All of that explains why his presence on the right-hand side is a valuable addition for Real Madrid. Fede guarantees depth and balance for the team, as he can join the attack, get into goalscoring positions, and then drop back to become an additional midfielder when the team loses the ball. His movement allows for a more attacking approach and takes some of the burden off his teammates on the flank.

Carlo Ancelotti was among the first to use this strategy regularly. The Italian coach placed the Uruguayan out on the touchline, and even predicted he would score ten goals in a season from that position.

Far-fetched as the idea seemed, time proved the prediction correct. His long-range shooting and his ability to burst into the penalty area made him a constant source of threat.

Ancelotti's secret recipe

That Real Madrid side found a winning formula. Valverde provided the physical strength and the balance, while the other players were able to focus on more creative duties.

The Uruguayan did not need to be the focal point of every attack to make a difference. It was enough for him to appear at the right moment, exploit the spaces, or waste the gaps his teammates left to break through defences.

Which is why right-back remains an attractive option. Valverde created 3 chances, completed 12 passes in the final attacking third, recovered four balls, made two interceptions, and won four of the five one-on-one duels he contested. No player managed to dribble past him even once.

Those numbers reflect his impact in both phases of play, and they accompanied a performance in which he proved once again that he is capable of being more than just a winger in certain situations.

Still, the debate is awkward for several reasons. Firstly, Valverde himself has never hidden his lack of comfort at right-back and his preference for playing in midfield.

Secondly, the squad planning: Real Madrid already have two right-backs, one of whom joined this summer and the other last summer, so using the Uruguayan in that position would raise doubts about the club's management.

Thirdly, the cost of moving Valverde back into midfield or into the attacking midfield line: to do that, Mourinho would have to find a place for him at the expense of a key attacking player. Diomande or Arda Guler are alternatives who could lose playing time if Valverde moves forward. It is a tactical dilemma in which every solution requires sacrificing something, which explains why, despite the Uruguayan's preferences, his position remains a difficult issue for Real Madrid.

Mourinho sees it differently. He considers Fede a full-back only as an emergency solution.