Real Madrid may be closing in on the start of the 2026/27 campaign, but one major question remains unresolved at Valdebebas: where exactly does Federico Valverde fit into José Mourinho’s plans?
Los Blancos are preparing for their La Liga opener against Espanyol after a strong pre-season preparation.
The Real Madrid squad has also been strengthened by six new signings, giving Mourinho more options across the pitch and increasing competition for places.
Yet, according to Defensa Central, that growing depth has created uncertainty around the role of one of the club’s most important players.
Indeed, Valverde has been a key figure for Real Madrid for years, but Carlos Carpio claims Mourinho is still not fully convinced about the position in which the Uruguayan should play.
The journalist explained, “From what I’m told, it’s not clear where he’s going to play. I don’t see him at the heart of the play, just as I didn’t last year.
“He doesn’t have those qualities. I’m told that Mourinho doesn’t see him on the right wing – we’ll have to wait and see what happens,” he explained.
Mourinho does not see Valverde as a midfielder or winger
Mourinho is unsure about Valverde’s playing position. (Photo by Christof Koepsel/Getty Images)
The reported uncertainty is particularly interesting given Valverde’s importance within the Real Madrid squad.
The Uruguayan has operated in central midfield during the pre-season, gradually moving away from the right side of the pitch.
However, the aforementioned report suggests Mourinho may not view him as the player capable of controlling the heart of the team.
That does not necessarily mean Valverde is set to lose his place. Instead, the issue appears to be about finding the right tactical role for him.
Furthermore, Mourinho is also unconvinced about using Valverde on the right wing, a position the midfielder has occupied regularly in the past.
Right-back is another option, but Valverde has his doubts
There is, of course, another position Valverde knows well.
Valverde can play across multiple positions. (Photo by Jose Manuel Alvarez Rey/Getty Images)
The Uruguayan has previously been deployed as a right-back when Real Madrid needed extra cover.
However, it is known that Valverde does not feel fully comfortable playing at right-back. That issue contributed to some of his first disagreements with Xabi Alonso last season.
Moreover, Real Madrid now have two strong candidates for the right-back role in Denzel Dumfries and Trent Alexander-Arnold, so it makes no sense for Valverde to be used there.
Valverde’s versatility has always been one of his greatest strengths, but it can also create a difficult tactical problem.
A player capable of operating in midfield, on the right wing and at full-back gives any manager several options.
Yet Mourinho may now need to decide whether Valverde should have one clearly defined role rather than continuing to move around depending on the team’s needs.