Real Madrid ripped AS Monaco to shreds with an emphatic 6-1 win over the French side in the Champions League on Tuesday (January 20th). Kylian Mbappe netted a brace, while Franco Mastantuono, Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham were on target.
Thilo Kehrer put through his own goal and the visitors' only goal on the night came from Jordan Teze. The scoreline didn't flatter Madrid as this was a mauling and the perfect response to a tough week for Alvaro Arbeloa and his players.
One of his Los Blancos stars who has been scrutinized as of late is Federico Valverde. The Uruguayan was used at right-back tonight and his performance has gone under the radar.
Real Madrid 6-1 Monaco: Fede Valverde flourishes again at right-back
Valverde might prefer playing in midfield but he continues to lay claim to being Madrid's best option at right-back. Tonight he covered every blade of grass, came up with two assists, made three key passes and created one big chance.
Not only that but the 27-year-old also put in an assured defensive shift, making one interception, two clearances and six recoveries. He is so reliable that even when Trent Alexander-Arnold is back fit Arbeloa will surely be considering continuing with him in the position.
Madrid fans have long insisted that Valverde is best suited for the right-back role despite also thriving in midfield. His engine room allows him to bomb up and down the channel and his playmaking brilliance works a treat just like tonight.
Football Espana were extremely impressed by his display and only Vinicius was rated higher than the 8/10 rating he received. They wrote:
"It’s true that Monaco got in a couple of times down his side in the first half, but Valverde’s swift thinking layed on a nice opener for Kylian Mbappe, and he did the same for Jude Bellingham in the second half. Characteristic of a performance where he squeezed Monaco in the second half, and played forward well."
Valverde is viewed as a leader at the Estadio Bernabeu and as such is prepared to play where the manager wants him. With a La Liga title and Champions League trophy to win, he might just have to accept that right-back is his role.
Fede Valverde on adapting to the right-back position
This wasn't the first time Valverde has been used at right-back this season, nor will it be the last, judging from his display against Monaco. He was used in the position by Xabi Alonso back in September when Madrid beat Kairat Almighty 5-0.
Valverde was asked about the makeshift role and he gave an interesting perspective (via the club website):
"You try and make yourself available, to learn a new position and do what the coach asks of you. Perhaps I don't feel entirely comfortable because there are all sorts of things, and attributes I don't have, like closing out at the back."
He added:
I try and give it my best and show the right attitude in the position. I always like to be clear about the fact I grew up my whole life playing in the centre of the park. I learned all about playing in there and I've had loads of players who set an example for me and gave me advice about playing in midfield. I've always done well at full-back and made it clear I'm available to play wherever the coach wants me."
Valverde remains one of Madrid's most important players, a jack of all trades who can perform pretty much anything asked of him. He has appeared 28 times across competitions this season, posting one goal and nine assists.