Ancelotti considering continuing with Real Madrid midfielder in makeshift role – report | OneFootball

Real Madrid secured their place in the Round of 16 of the UEFA Champions League after they defeated Manchester City 3-1 in the second leg of their knockout playoff (6-3 on aggregate) on Wednesday night.

It was a clinical display from Los Blancos who made sure that Pep Guardiola’s men never stood a chance, with Kylian Mbappe leading the way with a hat-trick.

A number of other players also stood out with brilliant performances as Raul Asencio, Rodrygo Goes, Dani Ceballos, and Jude Bellingham, among others, put their hands up on the big night for the reigning champions.

Federico Valverde, captaining the team on the night, was another standout performer, despite playing as a makeshift right-back.

Ancelotti could continue with Valverde at RB

With Dani Carvajal unavailable and Lucas Vazquez also getting sidelined earlier this month, Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti has turned to Valverde to fill in at right-back.

Now, Rodra (h/t Madrid Xtra) reports that Ancelotti has been so impressed by Valverde that he could continue with him in the right-back position even after Vazquez returns to full fitness.

Valverde shining in makeshift role. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)

After all, the Uruguayan’s performances in the two games against Manchester City as well as the match vs. Osasuna in between have been top-notch.

Speaking after the match, Ancelotti stated that Valverde was seen as an emergency option for the position.

“He’s happy to play there, but it’s been an emergency. When Lucas Vazquez returns we will have both options,” he said.

“And we must not forget that whenever he has played, he has done well. Even taking into account that, sometimes, there are very strong rivals in front,” he added, praising the Uruguayan.

On the back of his brilliant performance, Valverde has been named in the UEFA Champions League Team of the Week, along with Mbappe. And it will not be surprising to see the mainstay continue playing at right-back in upcoming games.