Valverde outshines Real Madrid's signings at right-back

Real Madrid continue to search for a solution to their right-back crisis, despite spending €35 million to sign Alexander Arnold and Denzel Dumfries, as coach José Mourinho continues to rely on Valverde in this position, according to Spanish newspaper "Mundo Deportivo."

The crisis began after Daniel Carvajal's serious knee injury in October 2024, and the club signed Arnold in the summer of 2025 for €10 million. However, he did not deliver the expected level, which led Xabi Alonso to rely on Valverde instead, despite the Uruguayan player's objections to playing at right-back.

With Álvaro Arbeloa taking charge, Fede Valverde returned to midfield, but the problem persisted, leading Real Madrid to sign Dumfries in the summer for €25 million, taking advantage of the release clause in his contract with Inter Milan. Despite a better start compared to Arnold, he was unable to fully convince Mourinho, who moved Valverde back to the right side against Sevilla.

The Spanish newspaper indicated that Valverde is a candidate to play as a right winger against FC Barcelona in the upcoming Clasico, with Dumfries behind him to limit Raphinha's threat.

Thus, the signings of Arnold and Dumfries have not yet achieved the desired goal, leaving the right-back position a persistent problem for Real Madrid ahead of the match against FC Barcelona.