Trent Alexander-Arnold didn't play a minute for Real Madrid this weekend, with Jose Mourinho explaining why he opted to select Federico Valverde at full-back instead

Yan Diomande came to life and Real Madrid won comfortably against Sevilla in La Liga this weekend, but Trent Alexander-Arnold — and another right-back, Denzel Dumfries — were made to watch from the sidelines.

Rather than choosing a conventional full-back to play in his defense, Jose Mourinho went with the versatile Uruguayan midfielder Federico Valverde in that position, and it was a move that paid dividends.

By all accounts, Valverde played very well, with the Spanish media in attendance in almost unanimous agreement that he is the best option available to Real Madrid in that role — which isn't a great sign for Alexander-Arnold.

"Valverde delivered a brilliant performance that further complicates any debate regarding his ideal position," MARCA said.

"In the first half, he was a tireless engine in the press and a constant threat when joining the attack; he even came close to scoring with a powerful strike from the edge of the box that ended up hitting Kylian Mbappe.

"After the break, he showcased his tactical intelligence, preventing a 2-1 deficit with a spectacular defensive play — anticipating a cross and blocking a shot.

"The Uruguayan possesses the physicality, stamina, attacking instinct, and an exceptional ability to read the game. And, naturally, by performing at this level as a full-back, he makes it very difficult for Mourinho not to feel compelled to play him there."

El Desmarque gave Valverde a 7/10 rating for his performance, and noted: "One of Mourinho's changes was to put the Uruguayan back at right-back, and he responded with a complete defensive performance, effectively shutting down Ruben Vargas on his flank. He almost scored with a shot that deflected off Mbappe."

And the theme was similar in AS too. "Valverde started at right-back for the first time this season," it said.

"In August, the Portuguese manager didn't see him playing there. The Uruguayan has never seen himself in that position, but his opinion is in the minority among Real Madrid fans, who have signed two right-sided full-backs in the last two seasons who haven't surpassed him. There isn't a better right-back in the squad, and perhaps not in La Liga either."

Jose Mourinho was open about his use of Valverde at full-back during his post-match press conference, admitting that it was a little awkward to have left two actual right-backs on the bench.

"The other day, half-jokingly, half-seriously, I was saying that if we had four Fedes, one would play at full-back, another in midfield, on the right wing, as a number 10..." Mourinho said.

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"This is Fede Valverde, one of the most versatile players in world football. He can play everywhere, and at a very high level. Today he played an outstanding match.

"It's not easy for a coach to keep two quality right-backs, two good players, (on the bench) but my feeling was that behind Endrick, a left-footed player who cuts inside and is a second striker.

"I thought I'd need a right-back with attacking depth, the stamina to get forward, and the quality to play well... and Fede did very well.

"But I don't have to convince him of anything, nor does he have to be convinced. He's the captain of Real Madrid, and if he has to play goalkeeper, then (give him) gloves and (he will play in) goal."

Real Madrid plays RB Leipzig in the Champions League on Wednesday. It then travels to Barcelona in La Liga on Sunday.