Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho praised Federico Valverde after selecting him ahead of Trent Alexander-Arnold and Denzel Dumfries in the 4-1 La Liga victory over Sevilla.
Kylian Mbappe scored twice as Real Madrid reduced Barcelona’s lead at the top of the table to six points before next weekend’s El Clasico.
Valverde was one of the standout performers at right-back, strengthening his claim for a place in the team ahead of both Dumfries and Alexander-Arnold. The Uruguay international’s display earned strong praise from Mourinho, who acknowledged the difficulty of leaving two recognised right-backs among the substitutes.
“The other day, half-jokingly and half-seriously, I said that if we had four Valverdes, they’d play in four different positions. He’s one of the most versatile players in football today,” said Mourinho.
“He can play anywhere and at a very high level. Today, he played a brilliant game. It’s not easy for a coach to leave two quality right-backs on the bench, but I thought it would be very useful to have a right-back with legs and quality to play behind Endrick.”
Alexander-Arnold moved to Real Madrid from his boyhood club Liverpool, but his time in Spain has so far been difficult. He has struggled to establish himself in the side and has also been unable to add the trophies he hoped to win with the Spanish club.
The England international has started only three of Real Madrid’s opening eight La Liga matches this season. With continued links suggesting a possible return to Liverpool, the 28-year-old could consider a move back to Merseyside if the opportunity arises.
Mourinho also underlined Valverde’s importance to the squad, describing him as a player capable of filling almost any role for the club.
“I don’t need to convince him of anything. He’s the captain of Real Madrid, and if he has to play as a goalkeeper, then gloves on and into the goal,” he added.
Valverde’s performance came as Alexander-Arnold was again left out of the starting XI, while Dumfries was also forced to watch from the bench as Real Madrid secured a convincing win.
