Former Real Madrid player Michel Salgado has endorsed Jose Mourinho’s decision to play Michael Essien out of his natural position.

The Ghana international has been played in the right-back position in recent crucial games for the Spanish champions.

The on-loan Chelsea player has excelled in the same position in both legs of the Champions League quarter final tie against Galatasaray.

Many have however raised concerns over Mourinho’s decision to play the natural midfielder in defence while natural right-back Alvaro Arbeloa sits on the bench.

But Salgado, who held onto Madrid’s right-back spot for 10-years, says Essien’s shift into defence will only intensify competition in the Real Madrid team.

“Always good to have these doubts among big players,” he said.

“Essien is the wildcard for Mou (Mournho), he can play both in front of the defense and on the side.

“I’m not in the team to know how they train and he is the coach so he is better placed to make that decision.

“But it is clear that both Arbeloa as Essien merit to play,” he added.