Jose Mourinho wants versatile Real Madrid star to become more incisive in attack – report

Jose Mourinho wants versatile Real Madrid star to become more incisive in attack – report Federico Valverde was one of the rebels of the Real Madrid dressing room, as he did not have the best of relationships with Xabi Alonso. The midfielder openly stated his lack of desire to play as a right-back. But under Jose Mourinho, things have been different and it appears the Portuguese tactician has convinced the versatile star to become the club’s number one right-back. Valverde hasn’t disappointed either, having established himself ahead of proven right-backs such as Trent Alexander-Arnold and Denzel Dumfries in the pecking order. Mourinho wants Valverde to be more incisive Mourinho wants more from Valverde. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images) But there is always room for improvement and to that end, it seems Mourinho is expecting more from Valverde in the final third. According to Defensa Central , Mourinho, apart from convincing Valverde that he is the best right-back option at Real Madrid, has also made clear that he can do more damage going forward. Valverde has scored in each of his last two games, against Valencia and AEK Athens respectively, although the latter came while operating in midfield . Mourinho, for his part, is convinced that the attacking instincts Valverde has can be unleashed even when he is operating as a right-back. He wants Valverde to become a constant thread in the final third. It was evident against Valencia, as he managed two shots, delivered a cross and reportedly looked to switch play from advanced areas. Against Villarreal, he drifted inside to thread a pass that setup up Yan Diomande’s winner. Mourinho expects more such offensive work from the versatile star. A future secured as a right-back? Valverde is finding his feet under Mourinho. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images) Valverde integrating into a more attacking fullback could be important not only for Real Madrid but also for the player himself. Real Madrid’s possession heavy system demands their fullbacks to push high, thus giving Valverde ample license to express himself. When Arda Guler tucks inside from the flank, the overlapping lane opens up for him while a wide Diomande allows him to underlap and offer support. The tactical fit, crucially, plays to Valverde’s strengths. In many ways, embracing the role of a fullback could be the smartest move for Valverde’s career. With fierce competition in midfield, carving out ownership in the right-back position could offer him a long-term path to a clear and guaranteed position in the starting lineup.