In a little more than 24 hours, Real Madrid will meet Atletico Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu in the UCL round of 16. Without a question, the game will be intense as the two arch rivals embrace an unusual degree of ferocity when facing off in the Champions League.
In their previous meeting in early February, Diego Simeone's side held Real Madrid to an equivalent score, resulting in an unpleasant loss of points for the whites. Tomorrow at the Bernabeu, the Argentine manager may be hopeful of replicating the feat in order to get to take the final fight with a home advantage in the second leg.
Real Madrid, on the other hand, will be looking to miss fewer opportunities than before and establish control from the start of the match. They understand that breaking through Simeone's defense wouldn't be easy, and Carlo Ancelotti must create a strategy to accomplish it.
However, when the man at the head of Los Blancos prepares his board for a fierce battle of minds, his pieces may fall short of his requirements.
Ancelotti's options are limited, and he must prepare the best combination
Here is the thing. Real Madrid's injury records have done the squad significant damage and limited Ancelotti's alternatives to a bare minimum. Dani Ceballos will be out injured for over two months. Dani Carvajal and Eder Militao are unlikely to return unless miracles happen. Fede Valverde, too, is suffering from discomfort.
Nevertheless, recent studies have indicated some optimism for the Uruguayan. Carlo Ancelotti had also vouched for his attendance against Atletico in the press conference prior to the encounter against Betis.
There is growing confidence that the player will start the game to help the team. It is well acknowledged that the Champions League match would be difficult and a fresh talent is needed for aid.
With that assumption made, it is crucial to explore the quandary this may place Ancelotti in. Valverde has two possible spots to play in. He may either strengthen the defense as a right-back, where he has demonstrated tremendous promise and steadiness in times of necessity, or give his talents in the midfield in the absence of Dani Ceballos' continuous assistance.
Fede Valverde in the midfield
Many think that Real Madrid's embarrassment versus Betis stemmed from midfield weaknesses. There appeared to be no connection between the first and final thirds, leaving Real Madrid unable to link their surges ahead.
Given that this is genuinely considered by management, a solid addition to the midfield, such as Fede Valverde, is a no-brainer. To break into Simeone's low block, a player like him must lead the young players around him.
Eduardo Camavinga and Aurélien Tchouaméni are an obvious choice from the available squad. The question remains as to who will complement them. It's worth noting that Jude Bellingham is also out for this game due to a suspension. Starting Luka Modric for the second game in a row does not appear to be a wise idea for the 39-year-old. If Valverde is not chosen, the only other alternatives are Arda Guler and Brahim Diaz.
For such a fantastic Champions League night, can we trust the two enough? Only Carlo Ancelotti and his crew know.
Fede Valverde in the defense
Carvajal is out. Militao is nowhere to be seen. David Alaba has dubious consistency. What are the options?
Ancelotti's defensive core has already been pared down. The assured veterans are either absent or in distress. Certain names come in, such as Antonio Rudiger and Ferland Mendy. Even with Fran Garcia, the left is solid and stable at the moment. However, there are gaps at right-back and one center-back position.
If Carlo Ancelotti learnt anything from the Betis encounter, it should have been to avoid the ludicrous centre-back pairing of two visibly unfit players at the expense of an in-form Raul Asencio, for reasons unknown.
If a key match like this one is to be secured, Asencio and Rudiger should be used without hesitation. This leaves a void at the right-back position. What about the remaining options? Lucas Vazquez and Fede Valverde.
A cursory glance at Real Madrid's previous troubles would lead one to believe that Lucas Vazquez at right-back in the Champions League knockout round is a bad idea that should be abandoned. The athlete plainly lacks all of the skills and abilities required to sustain defense. He would better help the squad as an experienced mentor on the bench than as a contributor on the field.
Final Verdict
After considering all of the alternatives and ramifications, as well as the relative scarcity of options at both ends, Fede Valverde would almost certainly be better off starting at right-back. The slightly riskier but stronger combination of Tchouameni-Camavinga-Modric in the middle appears more convincing than surrendering the right side of the defense entirely.
Luka Modric, given his age, may not be able to play the full game, and after establishing an open advantage against Atletico Madrid—in numbers or dominance—his position may be switched in favor of the fresh legs of Guler or Brahim. There would be some changes to the approach to play if this happened, but it still feels like the preferable alternative than risking weakness on the right.
Naturally, Ancelotti and his team retain the last say. All the fans can do is conjecture.