Real Madrid travel to face rivals Barcelona on Sunday evening in the 10th round of La Liga, with manager Jose Mourinho considering a tactical change for the Clasico at Spotify Camp Nou.
The visitors must avoid defeat to prevent Barcelona from opening a nine-point advantage over them in the title race. However, Mourinho will be without Vinicius Junior, who is suspended, while Rodrygo Goes, Raul Asensio and Ferland Mendy remain unavailable because of injuries, despite making noticeable progress in their recoveries.
According to AS, one option under consideration would see Federico Valverde operate on the right side in a more advanced position rather than as a full-back. The plan would be intended to support Arda Guler and Aurelien Tchouameni in midfield while also making use of Valverde’s ability to launch quick attacks.
Proposed tactical plan
Under that arrangement, Denzel Dumfries would play behind the Uruguay international at right-back. He would form the defensive line alongside Ibrahima Konate and Dean Huijsen, with Marc Cucurella completing the back four.
Guler is expected to retain his place in midfield, where his role in creating chances is considered particularly important. He would be partnered by Tchouameni, with the emphasis placed more heavily on physical strength in the centre of the pitch.
The two players have started together in that position only once so far. That match ended in a 4-1 victory for Real Madrid over Sevilla last week.
In attack, Jude Bellingham would operate centrally, supplying Kylian Mbappe and Yan Diomande. Diomande enters the match in a particularly strong run of goalscoring form, according to the report.
Real Madrid would also have several potential options on the bench. Eder Militao and Antonio Rudiger could be introduced to strengthen the defence, while Bernardo Silva would offer greater control in possession. Ibrahim Diaz, Endrick and Espi would provide further attacking alternatives if Mourinho needs to change the course of the match.
The expected Real Madrid line-up is:
Goalkeeper: Lunin
Defenders: Denzel Dumfries, Ibrahima Konate, Dean Huijsen, Marc Cucurella
Midfielders: Arda Guler, Aurelien Tchouameni, Federico Valverde
Forwards: Jude Bellingham, Yan Diomande, Kylian Mbappe
