Mourinho Hails Valverde’s Versatility After Real Madrid’s Sevilla Win
Federico Valverde has strengthened his standing as Real Madrid’s utility leader after starring at right-back in Sunday’s 4-1 victory over Sevilla, with Jose Mourinho saying the captain could even be deployed in goal if the team required it.
Valverde delivers at right-back
Mourinho started the Uruguay international in defence despite having two specialist full-backs among the substitutes. Valverde responded with a complete performance, including a crucial goal-line clearance from an acrobatic Sevilla effort after the interval.
- Valverde operated at right-back against Sevilla.
- His defensive work helped protect Madrid’s advantage before the final 4-1 result.
- His running power and positional discipline gave Endrick more licence to attack down the right side.
- Mourinho again highlighted the midfielder’s readiness to fill any role for the side.
The Madrid coach said: “The other day, half-jokingly and half-seriously, I said that if we had four Valverdes, they’d play in four different positions.”
He added: “He is one of the most versatile players in football today. He can play anywhere and at a very high level. Today, he played a brilliant game.”
Mourinho underlined the point by saying that, as Madrid captain, Valverde would put on the gloves and play goalkeeper if that was what the team needed.
Diomande makes his mark in Sevilla win
Teenage winger Yan Diomande also played a decisive part in the victory. He created Arda Guler’s opening goal before completing the scoring with a solo strike.
Mourinho praised Diomande’s impact but made clear that the young forward remains a work in progress.
- Diomande supplied the assist for Guler’s first goal.
- He later scored Madrid’s fourth with an individual effort.
- Mourinho believes the winger has significant development still ahead of him.
“He has a lot to improve and a lot of room for improvement,” Mourinho said. “He is young, naive and an unfinished product.”
The manager added that Diomande regularly gets into threatening positions but must become calmer when the decisive moment arrives. Mourinho pointed to Vinicius Junior’s development after arriving in Madrid as an example of what patience can bring.
What happens next
Real Madrid now turn towards European competition with Mourinho able to rely on rotation, positional flexibility and emerging young talent. Valverde’s ability to cover multiple roles and Diomande’s growing influence give the coach further options during a demanding run of fixtures.
