According to "Marca", with Arnold's return from injury, Valverde will end his "exile" at the right back position.

During Real Madrid's season, the phrase "I'm not a natural full-back" caused quite a bit of controversy. The controversy reached a climax after Vinicius was substituted in El Clasico, and although the crisis was subsided after the Brazilian publicly apologized, Valverde's words before the Champions League match against Kairat Almaty still caused an uproar.

In fact, the Uruguayan also emphasized his willingness to contribute to the team in any position in his full statement. In the last seven games (five league games and two Champions League games), Valverde has indeed appeared at right-back. Despite his public stance, injuries to Carvajal and Trent Alexander-Arnold forced Alonso to replace him in the role. Especially after Vázquez left the club in the summer, the player who once served as a right winger or inside forward for a long time is no longer an option.

With Carvajal still recovering from injury, Real Madrid's last two games have given Xavi a glimmer of hope. Alexander-Arnold returned and played again at Anfield. Although he only played less than 15 minutes in total, it was enough to prove that he had recovered. The break between international breaks has given the former Liverpool man the chance to make final adjustments at Valdebebas base, so it is likely that Alexander-Arnold will start against Elche on Sunday.

As for Valverde, Alonso is still looking for his best position in the midfield. Joan Armene is usually the deep-lying midfielder, while Güler links up with the forwards. Bellingham's return reduces Valverde's options in the midfield. Since joining, he has tried all positions: defensive midfielder, central midfielder, inside forward on the left and right sides and even attacking midfielder. Considering that Alonso is still looking for Mbappe and Vinicius to partner on the right, putting Valverde on the right seems to be the most logical arrangement.

Valverde will not change his flank position, but will move closer to the opponent's goal, which will give him more chances to touch the ball and participate in the attack. Factors supporting this option include Mastantono's groin problem, Dias's inconsistent form and Ndrick's marginal status in the manager's plans, with the latter likely to be loaned out in the winter transfer window.

In short, despite Valverde's famous words before the game against Almaty Kairat, he still performed very well at the full-back position and showed another side of him as an assister this season.

Currently he has four assists but has yet to score a goal. A new position starting against Elche on Sunday might allow him to get closer to the opposition goal, an area where he has excelled in the past. He scored 11 goals last season, just one short of his personal best, although he also featured at right-back in a few games.