According to a report by Madrid Universal on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, Federico Valverde’s role has become a major tactical concern for Real Madrid ahead of Sunday’s El Clasico, with manager Jose Mourinho considering different ways to deploy the Uruguayan captain against Barcelona.

According to Sports, Valverde is expected to feature on the right flank, although it remains uncertain whether he will start at right-back or play in a more advanced position for the crucial encounter.

Real Madrid’s recent victory over Sevilla provided encouragement, particularly because of Valverde’s impressive performance at right-back. He also delivered a strong display in that position during the Champions League comeback against AS Roma, further strengthening his case as an alternative in defence.

Neither Trent Alexander-Arnold nor Denzel Dumfries has fully convinced at right-back, creating an opportunity for Valverde to take on the role. However, Wednesday’s Champions League meeting with RB Leipzig could influence Mourinho’s final decision ahead of the weekend’s showdown.

Dumfries is expected to start against Leipzig, leaving Mourinho to determine how best to accommodate Valverde for Sunday’s clash at Spotify Camp Nou, where Barcelona will enter the match as league leaders.

Arda Guler’s impressive performances alongside Aurelien Tchouameni in the double pivot have given Madrid a combination of creativity and defensive stability. Mourinho must therefore decide how to include Valverde without disrupting the balance the midfield partnership has established.

The Uruguayan could retain his place at right-back or move further forward to play on the right wing, potentially operating ahead of Dumfries. Such an arrangement would provide additional defensive cover while allowing Valverde more freedom to contribute to Madrid’s attacking play.

Deploying Endrick on the right wing against Barcelona appears less likely. Although the Brazilian has shown that he can influence matches as a substitute, he currently seems better suited to making an impact from the bench.

Valverde is no stranger to playing as a winger, having regularly occupied the position throughout his Real Madrid career, particularly under former manager Carlo Ancelotti. This experience could make a tactical switch relatively straightforward for Mourinho.

With Dumfries providing defensive cover behind him, Valverde could exploit spaces in Barcelona’s backline. His physical strength, acceleration and long stride make him particularly effective when carrying the ball into open areas.

Mourinho has shown an interest in making the most of Valverde’s versatility, following an approach also adopted by previous Real Madrid managers. Whether the Uruguayan starts at right-back or in a more advanced role, his positioning could play a significant part in determining Madrid’s tactical approach against Barcelona.