THE FUSE

Mourinho was clear about where he believes the player's true strengths lie, regardless of his versatility. "He has played midfield with England and Liverpool... but he is not a midfielder," Mourinho stated. The manager acknowledged that the player had followed instructions diligently during the high-stakes European tie, adding: "He has played very well. He has interpreted what he needed to really well, tactically. Both him and Valverde have worked very well at this level."