According to a report by Madrid Universal on Thursday, October 22, 2026, Real Madrid head coach Jose Mourinho is considering a surprise tactical change ahead of Sunday’s El Clásico against Barcelona, with Federico Valverde and Denzel Dumfries potentially featuring together on the right flank.

Reports suggest Mourinho is considering pushing Valverde into a right-wing role while deploying Dumfries at right-back to provide defensive cover.

The proposed system could allow Real Madrid to take advantage of Valverde’s attacking qualities while maintaining defensive stability against Barcelona, who will host their arch-rivals in the first El Clásico of the season.

Valverde, who normally operates in midfield, has recently been used at right-back by Mourinho. The Uruguayan started in Madrid’s 4-1 La Liga victory over Sevilla before retaining the position in Wednesday’s 4-1 Champions League win against RB Leipzig.

The tactical experiment first emerged during Madrid’s encounter with Roma on October 14. Mourinho moved Valverde into the back four while his team were trailing 3-1, and Madrid eventually secured a 4-3 comeback victory after scoring three late goals from corners.

Since then, Valverde’s performances have strengthened his case for a regular role in Mourinho’s tactical plans. Against Leipzig, he recorded 116 touches and reportedly led his team in clearances, tackles and progressive passes, registering 11 progressive passes.

Mourinho has acknowledged that deploying Valverde at right-back presents a difficult selection dilemma because it means leaving natural right-backs Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dumfries out of the starting lineup.

“Playing Fede as a right-back is something that pains me, because it means leaving out two players who naturally occupy this position,” Mourinho said.

However, the reported plan to pair Valverde with Dumfries could give the Portuguese coach a way to accommodate both players while allowing the Uruguayan to contribute further up the pitch.

The arrangement could prove crucial against Barcelona, whose attacking threat will require Madrid to remain defensively organised while looking for counterattacking opportunities. Having Dumfries behind Valverde could provide additional defensive protection while allowing the midfielder to use his energy and passing ability to support Madrid’s attack.

Barcelona’s recent record in El Clásico could also encourage Mourinho to consider tactical adjustments. The Catalan side have won four of the last five meetings between the clubs, including a 2-0 victory in May 2026 that secured the La Liga title.

Barcelona also defeated Madrid in the 2026 Spanish Super Cup final and won the Copa del Rey final in 2025. Madrid’s only victory in their last five encounters came through a 2-1 win at the Santiago Bernabéu in October 2025.

Barcelona head into Sunday’s contest unbeaten in La Liga and top of the standings, while Real Madrid have won four consecutive matches across all competitions following a difficult start to their domestic campaign.

Madrid are reportedly six points behind Barcelona, making the encounter an important opportunity for Mourinho’s side to reduce the gap at the top of the table.