Real Madrid boss settles the big call regarding Federico Valverde’s position – report | OneFootball

Real Madrid appear ready to restore balance in their lineup as a new report from Defensa Central reveals that Federico Valverde’s stint as an emergency right-back is finally coming to an end. 

For weeks, Xabi Alonso has been forced to experiment and shift pieces around due to injuries, and Valverde, always willing to help the team, temporarily stepped into a role he does not particularly enjoy. 

Now, with Trent Alexander-Arnold returning to full fitness, that chapter is expected to close.

Alexander-Arnold had technically returned before the international break, even collecting minutes against Liverpool and Rayo Vallecano after coming off the bench. 

But these past two weeks have given him the perfect window to rebuild sharpness, regain rhythm, and recover the physical condition required to start matches without risk. 

According to the report, he is finally ready to return to the starting XI, and that naturally pushes Valverde back into midfield.

Sigh of relief for Valverde

Valverde can return to his favourable position. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

The plan is that as long as Trent avoids a setback, he will take primary responsibility for the right-back role. 

This strategy also depends on Dani Carvajal’s availability, as his presence would allow for proper rotation and prevent overloading Alexander-Arnold. 

For now, the Englishman is expected to feature prominently in that position, at least until Carvajal fully recovers.

Today’s match against Elche is likely to be the first real test of this reshuffle. Barring any last-minute surprises, Valverde should return to midfield, restoring a dynamic that Alonso has lacked in recent matches. 

While Valverde performed admirably out wide, far better than anyone anticipated, there is no doubt that Madrid benefit more when he is allowed to influence the game from central areas, driving transitions and supporting both attack and defence.