Valverde returns to right-back and sets up Diomande’s 1-0 goal

Valverde returned to right-back against Villarreal, and his forward run led to Diomande’s goal for Real Madrid’s 1-0. The switch came after the break, when Mourinho reshaped his team with just one substitution: Vinicius came on for Trent.

That change triggered several positional moves. Valverde left midfield for the right side of the defence, Arda Güler shifted from the right wing into midfield, and Diomande moved from the left flank to the right. With Diomande helping out defensively and Valverde pushing forward, Real Madrid created more danger. The account of the match also described Valverde as playing considerably better out wide.

The reshuffle came after Mourinho had made clear that he viewed Valverde as a midfield player, while leaving open the option of using him at right-back if needed. His future in that position remains uncertain: with Trent and Dumfries as right-backs, Mourinho appears unlikely to use him there, even though Valverde is more dangerous out wide.

A return to midfield seems more likely. Valverde accepted the role under an Italian coach, but was less comfortable with Xabi and had disagreements with him over the position.