‘I’ve never refused to play there’ – Valverde on Real Madrid position

Real Madrid star Fede Valverde has noted that while he can and will play at right-back should he be asked, he is keen to avoid it where possible. The Uruguayan could be forced to drop into defence due to injuries in the backline for Xabi Alonso.

Valverde has operated exclusively in midfield for Xabi Alonso, and the Basque manager has assured that this is indeed his position. However with Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dani Carvajal out for the next month, there is a hole at the position now.

Valverde: ‘I wasn’t born to play full-back’

The Uruguayan is one of the main candidates to play there though, having performed well last season under Carlo Ancelotti on the right of defence. Valverde explained that it was not his natural position.

“I wasn’t born to play full-back, I didn’t grow up learning to play full-back, and when I played there I felt proud of having done well. I always had doubts about whether I played well spontaneously… Playing there, I felt comfortable”

“I had to play on the wing and we won a Champions League, I had to play on the wing and in the middle and we won a Champions League… I don’t feel comfortable at full-back because I wasn’t born in that position and I struggle with some things, like closing down behind the defender. I’ve played in midfield all my life and I had teammates who gave me a lot of advice, but it’s true that I played well at full-back and I’ve always made it clear that I’m here for whatever the coach says.”

‘I’ve never refused to play there’ – Valverde

Ahead of their Champions League clash with Kairat Almaty, Valverde was clear that he will return to the right-back spot should Alonso ask it of him.

“I’ve always made it clear to the coach that I’m available for whatever he needs. I’ve never refused to play at full-back or in any other position. Whenever someone starts, they embrace it as if it were the only thing they could do. It’s strange that this comes from me when I’ve always said I’m available to play whatever it is.”

“You can ask my teammates and the coach; I’ve never refused to play anywhere, and I’ll always die for my teammates and for Real Madrid.”

Struggles in midfield may impact decision

Valverde struggled in midfield against Atletico, as he himself admitted, and that may facilitate the decision for Alonso. Previously Raul Asencio has been used there this season, and Castilla product David Jimenez is also in the senior squad currently.