Shock in Madrid: Mourinho may bench fan favourite Fede Valverde

Shockwaves in Madrid as José Mourinho’s return to Real Madrid sparks immediate tactical upheaval — and one of the club’s most beloved players, Fede Valverde, looks at risk of losing his place in the starting XI.

Mourinho arrived with a single objective: to restore a winning mentality to a team that has spent two seasons without major trophies. Early indications are that his second spell will not spare established names as he reshapes the squad.

Debate on midfield profile escalates on radio

A debate on the new midfield profile boiled over on the Spanish radio programme El Larguero, when presenter Raúl Ruiz asked who Mourinho would sacrifice once Aurélien Tchouaméni is fully fit — Bernardo Silva or Arda Güler. The so‑called "Council of Veterans" of Real Madrid answered decisively, and former defender Rafa Alkorta singled out Valverde as the player who struggles to fit the new tactical blueprint. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rafael_Alkorta?utm_source=openai))

Alkorta argued that Valverde is not a natural defensive pivot. "I don't see Valverde in that position because he simply isn't a holding midfielder. We saw that with the goal Espanyol scored against Real. Valverde is not a player who holds his position, let alone a classic central midfielder. The most mobile player who links the lines is Bernardo Silva. The pivot position requires ball possession, constant pressing and tactical discipline — tasks in which Tchouaméni is far more decisive than Fede," Alkorta said. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Federico_Valverde?utm_source=openai))

Former striker Kiko Narváez reinforced the assessment: "Valverde still hasn't adopted this balanced style of play. He has many attacking options and often moves from one side to the other, which causes him to lose his tactical position. Mourinho has the authority and personality to choose the right moment for each player."

The arrival of young winger Yan Diomande — already deployed on the right flank in preseason — further squeezes places and appears to downgrade Arda Güler’s status in the pecking order. If Mourinho pairs Tchouaméni with Bernardo Silva in midfield and slots Jude Bellingham into the number 10 role, Valverde risks being left out of the starting eleven. Reports about Diomande’s transfer move to Real have circulated in recent weeks. ([theguardian.com](https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/aug/05/real-madrid-agree-club-record-115m-deal-for-yan-diomande-and-want-to-keep-vinicius?utm_source=openai))

For a player who has long been emblematic of effort, running and loyalty to the white shirt, the prospect of dropping to the bench would be a harsh blow. The rebuilding at the Bernabéu has only just started, and Mourinho’s tactical pruning makes clear that past service will not guarantee a place in his new eleven.

Photo: press material from the event