Former Real Madrid star opines on Valverde playing at right-back: ‘He is no Cafu’

Former Real Madrid star opines on Valverde playing at right-back: ‘He is no Cafu’ Real Madrid’s dramatic 4-3 comeback win over AS Roma on Wednesday has given everyone plenty to talk about, and one of the club’s own greats has now had his say. Predrag Mijatovic, speaking on El Larguero (h/t Defensa Central ), delivered his trademark analysis of the night in Rome. His verdict could be neatly summed up in two points: glowing praise for Jose Mourinho’s game-changing substitutions, and clear reservations about Federico Valverde being used at right-back. Praise for Mourinho’s substitutions Mijatovic admitted the opening period had left him uneasy, but felt the Portuguese read the game perfectly. “The first half left me worried, knowing how Roma plays, because they try to play man-to-man for 90 minutes, and that’s incredibly physically demanding. “And Mourinho, knowing that the first half was quite weak, was confident that they wouldn’t last the whole match. Mourinho deserves much credit for the win over Roma. (Photo by Tullio M. Puglia/Getty Images) “He was fantastic with his substitutions, waiting until the last possible moment and changing players who might get upset, like Vinicius, without any problem ,” he added. Mijatovic went on to highlight the impact the substitutes made by Mourinho had in the game, with the likes of Endrick and Carlos Espi finding the back of the net. “And then, bringing on the players who changed the game. The experience he has as a seasoned veteran. Apart from the players, the coach was excellent with his substitutions, and that changed everything ,” he said. Despite Real Madrid’s win, though, there were certain question marks over the team’s performance on the night, as evident by the fact that Thibaut Courtois made the second most number of passes . Nevertheless, Mijatovic believes the result could reshape how Mourinho views his squad going forward. “Could the comeback change the players’ roles? I think this match shows Mourinho several options for the future of players who might play a significant role without being starters. This is good for him, for the players, and for everyone.” “Winning this match against Roma when you know you’re not at your best and you come back to win is a huge confidence boost. For the players who came on and overcame this negative result, it’s very positive for the future.” Mijatovic was in no doubt about the manager’s man-management, even though he acknowledged room for growth. “The coach knows exactly who to trust and when to trust them. Mourinho was very good, because knowing the team wasn’t working, he brought in the players who have worked. “ There are many things Real Madrid needs to improve, and Mourinho knows it and sees it ,” he added. The Valverde right-back question Mijatovic doesn’t trust Valverde at right-back. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images) Mijatovic also shared his thoughts on Federico Valverde’s positioning as a right-back. The debate is nothing new at the Bernabeu. Xabi Alonso had considered the role for the Uruguayan despite the player’s own dislike of it, and Carlo Ancelotti turned to it only in emergencies. Mourinho has now used him there in the last two games, but Mijatovic remains unconvinced. “Fede Valverde at right-back? Look, Valverde is versatile, because he can play in midfield, on the right wing, and at right-back in some matches. But I don’t see him at right-back.” “He can do it for one or two games, but it’s not his position. If we put Valverde at right-back and try to turn him into a Cafu… No, I don’t see it ,” he said. Mijatovic, though, clarified that he trusts the judgement of Jose Mourinho. “But hey, I’m not the coach, and if Mourinho keeps seeing him as better, then he’ll play there… But I just don’t see it ,” he concluded.