{
  "id": 18955952,
  "title": "‘If he has to play as a goalkeeper, he’ll do it’ - Jose Mourinho hails Real Madrid captain Fede Valverde as football’s ultimate utility man",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/08/if-he-has-to-play-as-a-goalkeeper-hell-do-it-jose-mourinho-hails-real",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-11-08T14:44:36.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/play-goalkeeper-ll-jose-mourinho-144436533.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Real Madrid's captain Federico Valverde has been praised by Jose Mourinho for his incredible versatility on the field. The Uruguayan has shown his prowess in both midfield and defense, while still posing a significant threat in front of the goal. Mourinho highlighted Valverde's exceptional adaptability as a significant asset for the Spanish giants, stating that the captain is ready to play any given role required by the team.\n\nValverde initially started the season in a double pivot alongside Aurelien Tchouameni, but Mourinho has since deployed him at right-back to great effect. Despite playing deeper, Valverde has managed to maintain his attacking touch, scoring in his last two appearances for the club. His shift in position began during a crucial Champions League match against Roma, where Mourinho moved him to right-back, leading to a dramatic 4-3 comeback victory.\n\nFollowing this success, Valverde continued his impressive form against Sevilla, RB Leipzig, Barcelona, and Valencia. Mourinho commended his captain's selfless attitude, emphasizing that Valverde is one of the most multifunctional players in world football. He even added that if Valverde had to play as a goalkeeper, he would do so with gloves on.\n\nValverde's adaptability has allowed Mourinho to maximize his squad options, as the manager knows he will need the captain across the pitch throughout the season. The Portuguese manager emphasized the unique responsibility of being the captain, stating that he believes Valverde will play at full-back due to the team's preference, but he will also have to play in midfield.",
  "summary": "Jose Mourinho has heaped praise on Real Madrid captain Federico Valverde for his incredible versatility during the current campaign. The Uruguayan international has flourished in multiple positions, starring in both midfield and defence while continuing to provide a crucial goalscoring threat.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 8,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Adom Online",
        "title": "Real Madrid beat Valencia to move level on points with leaders Barcelona",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/07/real-madrid-beat-valencia-to-move-level-on-points-with-leaders",
        "published": "2026-11-07T21:08:00.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Free Malaysia Today",
        "title": "Real Madrid beat Valencia to draw level with La Liga leaders Barca",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/07/real-madrid-beat-valencia-to-draw-level-with-la-liga-leaders-barca",
        "published": "2026-11-07T22:16:05.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Al Jazeera",
        "title": "Real Madrid beat Valencia 3-0 to draw level with La Liga leaders Barcelona",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/07/real-madrid-beat-valencia-3-0-to-draw-level-with-la-liga-leaders",
        "published": "2026-11-07T22:21:58.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Ajel English",
        "title": "Real Madrid defeat Valencia 3-0 in La Liga clash",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/07/real-madrid-defeat-valencia-3-0-in-la-liga-clash",
        "published": "2026-11-07T23:44:19.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "MyJoyOnline Ghana",
        "title": "Real Madrid beat Valencia to move level on points with leaders Barcelona",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/08/real-madrid-beat-valencia-to-move-level-on-points-with-leaders",
        "published": "2026-11-08T00:11:47.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "New Straits Times",
        "title": "Real Madrid beat Valencia as Spanish football honours De Miguel",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/08/real-madrid-beat-valencia-as-spanish-football-honours-de-miguel",
        "published": "2026-11-08T02:24:55.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "The National UAE",
        "title": "Jose Mourinho proud of Real Madrid win percentage as he makes La Liga history",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/08/jose-mourinho-proud-of-real-madrid-win-percentage-as-he-makes-la-liga",
        "published": "2026-11-08T07:49:37.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}