The Portuguese is delighted with a footballer that Carlo Ancelotti couldn’t stop confusing by constantly changing his position.
The latest news at Real Madrid is led by José Mourinho, who has decided to keep Fede Valverde, a 28-year-old midfielder, in central positions and not use him permanently as a right winger or full-back. The coach believes that moving him out on the wings weakens his impact and he does not want to repeat a formula Carlo Ancelotti used in the past.
The decision comes after the first eight official games this season, in which Valverde has played 654 minutes, scored one goal and provided one assist. The Uruguayan has been involved in all seven LaLiga games and started every single one.
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José Mourinho defines Fede Valverde’s position
José Mourinho’s plan involves using Valverde in midfield, primarily in the double pivot of his 4-2-3-1 formation. The coach believes that from that position, the Uruguayan can contribute to the build-up, cover the pitch and show off his shooting foot without being limited by the sidelines.
This role has been evident since the start of the season. Valverde has played 564 minutes in LaLiga, providing one assist and 19 recaptures, while playing the full 90 minutes in the Champions League against Inter and scoring one of Real Madrid’s two goals.
Mourinho has also experimented with different partners for the Uruguayan. Eduardo Camavinga played alongside him in the pivot against Betis, and the return of Aurélien Tchouaméni has opened up the possibility of pairing them up in midfield again.
The relationship between Tchouaméni and Valverde had caused doubts after problems from last season. However, Mourinho confirmed in September that the situation had been resolved and that both could play together again.
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Mourinho changes formula Carlo Ancelotti used
This decision marks a break with previous approaches. Carlo Ancelotti placed Valverde in various positions during his time, including on the right wing and – when injuries in defence demanded it – as a full-back.
Valverde has never hidden his preference for midfield. Under Mourinho, this versatility is no longer the primary solution to fill gaps elsewhere, as the coach wants to keep the captain within the central structure.
The player’s performances have strengthened this strategy. Against Inter, Valverde was named the best player on the pitch after scoring the second goal in a 2-1 victory. Mourinho later emphasized that the goal was a result of the tactical line-up of the match.
The coach also has specific options for the wingers. Brahim Díaz, Yan Diomandé and Arda Güler have operated on the flanks at the start of the season, reducing the need to use Valverde there.
Real Madrid now without Valverde due to injury
José Mourinho’s plans will have to wait a few weeks. Valverde suffered a third-degree sprain in his left ankle during a 2-1 loss to Atlético Madrid on September 20.
Although he completed the match, subsequent medical tests revealed a complete ligament rupture. Preliminary estimates suggest a recovery period of around two to three weeks.
The injury comes after a start to the season in which Valverde had been involved in all eight official games for the team. Real Madrid are currently in fourth place in LaLiga, six points behind Barcelona, after losses to Betis and Atlético.
José Mourinho’s next step will be to reintegrate Valverde and rebuild the midfield duo when he returns. The comeback should not change the plan: the coach wants to keep him in midfield and prevent Real Madrid’s specific needs from pushing him back to the positions he held in Carlo Ancelotti’s era.
