Real Madrid midfield mainstay could play in makeshift role in UCL clashes vs Atletico | OneFootball

The injury to Dani Carvajal in the first half of the season left Real Madrid without one of their most important players.

Carlo Ancelotti has been counting on Lucas Vazquez to do the job but the veteran has found wanting on the big occasions, with forwards like Rafael Leao (AC Milan) and Raphinha (Barcelona) exposing him completely.

As such, Vazquez’s recent injury may have come as a boon for Real Madrid as Ancelotti was forced to deploy Federico Valverde as a makeshift right-back in the UEFA Champions League knockout playoffs against Manchester City.

The 26-year-old midfield mainstay did a sterling job in the role, being solid at the back while providing an outlet going forward. Valverde even registered an assist each against Osasuna and Man City (2nd leg) playing as a right-back.

Valverde to continue in the role vs Atletico Madrid?

Now, according to AS, given how well Federico Valverde performed at right-back, there is a strong possibility that he could continue in the makeshift position in the upcoming matches against Atletico Madrid, despite Lucas Vazquez’s return to full fitness.

More games at RB for Fede Valverde? (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

Valverde was given a rest this past weekend against Girona with Vazquez resuming duties as the starting right-back.

The Uruguayan international is unlikely to start against Real Sociedad in the Copa del Rey semi-final first leg on Wednesday either.

But it is very much likely that Ancelotti could once again decide to stick the 26-year-old in the right-back position, particularly when Real Madrid take on neighbours Atletico Madrid in the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 across two legs.

Addressing the possibility of continuing with Valverde as a full-back earlier today, Ancelotti said:

“Valverde could return to right-back. We have to see what kind of lineup I play. I’m not going to say, I’ve already thought about it, but I’m not going to say it.”

Thus, there appears to be a very good chance that the versatile Valverde continues in his new makeshift position despite Vazquez’s availability.