Real Madrid: 3 players who must step up with Dani Carvajal out for the season

CM Fede Valverde

Although Fede Valverde is a midfielder, the young Uruguayan showed he can be a competent right back in a pinch against Liverpool. Valverde started the match on the right side of a back four and helped Los Blancos keep a clean sheet in a 0-0, second leg draw at Anfield. No, he wasn’t perfect, but he definitely did well and held his own against Sadio Mane.

So Valverde is an option at right back for Real Madrid. But he may also be of use further up the pitch in replacing Dani Carvajal. If Zidane has to start Odriozola, whom he does not seem to trust, then Valverde could be the option on the right side of the midfield or even the wing. Valverde could help cover for Odriozola defensively, since the Spanish international’s positioning is so poor.

No matter what, Valverde is an important player to Real down the stretch of the season. Like Ramos, he’s set to return soon, as he tested positive for COVID-19 after already missing a match due to being in close contact with someone else who tested positive.

Valverde is not an ideal right back, but he is a competent option due to his athleticism and work ethic. As we saw with Lucas Vazquez on the right, work ethic can sometimes make all the difference at an unknown position.