Real Madrid News
Real Madrid mainstay ready to sacrifice comfort for team’s success – report
Federico Valverde’s role at right-back for Real Madrid has been met with mixed feelings, according to a report by Carlos Forjanes in AS.
While the Uruguayan midfielder does not particularly enjoy playing in this position, he remains fully committed to his team, willing to make personal sacrifices for the greater good of the squad.
His dedication has seen him rise as one of the key figures in the locker room, earning the prestigious title of the team’s fourth captain.
Solutions amidst problems
Real Madrid are facing a series of important matches, and due to a number of injuries, manager Carlo Ancelotti has been forced to adapt his tactics.
One of the changes includes placing Valverde in the right-back position, a role he has been asked to play before, but one that still presents challenges for the versatile player.
While it is not an entirely unfamiliar position, Valverde’s experience as a right-back is limited. Over his time at Madrid, he has only played in this position on four occasions.
A look back at his performance
His first experience came during a loan spell at Deportivo La Coruna in the 2017-18 season, where he was called upon to play out of necessity.
Since then, Valverde has been asked to play right-back on a few occasions for Real Madrid under two different managers. Zinedine Zidane and Ancelotti have both made use of him in this position.
His most recent stint at right-back came in the 2021-22 Champions League, during a match against Sheriff Tiraspol, which ended in a 1-2 defeat for Madrid.
He knows the job
Despite not being his preferred role, Valverde’s attitude remains one of professionalism and commitment to the team.
His willingness to play in this unfamiliar position reflects his growing influence within the squad and his understanding of the need to support his team in difficult times.
This attitude is key to his development as a leader within the squad, and it shows just how far he has come since joining the club.
Now, as one of the main figures in the dressing room, Valverde continues to prove that his dedication and sacrifice go hand in hand with his rise to a leadership role within the team.
Real Madrid News
Mourinho considering starting 23-year-old Real Madrid ace against Villarreal – report
After impressing during the international break, Eduardo Camavinga has a major opportunity to establish himself in Real Madrid’s midfield rotation.
Indeed, according to Defensa Central, Jose Mourinho is considering starting the Frenchman against Villarreal, with injuries and doubts over several players limiting his options.
Real Madrid cannot afford to drop points against Villarreal if they want to remain in the title race. However, Mourinho has issues to deal with in the squad, which could lead him to turn to Camavinga for a crucial role.
Camavinga could replace Tchouameni in midfield
The 23-year-old star could line up as the defensive midfielder in the double pivot, with Bernardo Silva or Arda Guler alongside him, and will be tasked with providing balance in midfield.
Real Madrid face Villarreal with several problems in central defence. Ibrahima Konate is expected to be a late call, leading Mourinho to consider moving Aurelien Tchouameni into defence alongside Antonio Rudiger.
Meanwhile, Federico Valverde could also struggle to be ready after the ankle injury he sustained in the derby before the international break.
The Uruguayan has continued to work individually away from the group and might return to group training tomorrow. Even then, his readiness to start remains in question.
That would leave a place open in midfield, with Camavinga in line to fill in.
Camavinga impressed during the international break
Camavinga has started only one match this season, the defeat against Real Betis.
Despite his limited opportunities, Mourinho is keen to bring the Frenchman back into the fold after he impressed for France during the international break.
Zinedine Zidane called the Real Madrid star up for his first France squad, and the midfielder performed well during the break.
That has given Mourinho and Real Madrid reason to be optimistic about using him against Villarreal, with the hope that he can move closer to the level he showed after first arriving at the club.
Therefore, the Villarreal match could represent an important test for Camavinga and a chance for the Frenchman to show that he can provide the balance Real Madrid need in midfield.
