Arnold are you listening? Ancelotti makes incredible statement

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has always backed his players to the utmost when it comes to their quality, and few managers will go as hard for their side as the Italian. On Sunday he made a remarkable statement about Fede Valverde, who came in as right back Los Blancos against Leganes.

Valverde has consolidated his place in the starting midfield over the past two seasons, but has often been deployed in unfamiliar positions. With Dani Carvajal out for the rest of the season and Lucas Vazquez likely to miss the rest of November, Valverde is likely to continue there against Liverpool in their Champions League match at Anfield on Wednesday.

'Lucas and Tchouameni… we don't know, but we will try to get them back. The truth is that Fede did very well at the back. Just like Asencio, who played a very serious game and played maturely. I really liked him.”

“And Valverde… he is a fantastic full-back (laughs). After Carvajal and Lucas Vazquez, he is the best right back in the world. His problem is that he can play in many positions at this level and the coach's problem is choosing the best position for the team. But I liked him at the back, he has incredible speed. We'll see if Lucas and Tchouameni can recover. If not, we will make decisions,” Ancelotti told Diario AS.

While it is clear that Ancelotti is speaking somewhat tongue-in-cheek to his players, it could inspire Liverpool right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold to give his best against Los Blancos at Anfield – should he be deemed fit. The England international is also struggling with an injury, but if Real Madrid pursue him on a free transfer, it could add some extra spice to his game. Cynics might point out that speculation is rife that Ancelotti may not be his manager even if he moves to the Spanish capital.