CM Fede Valverde
Nobody had a more massive performance for Real Madrid on Matchday 8 than Fede Valverde. In fact, his ball recoveries set up Real’s first three goals of the match, as he assisted Eden Hazard’s first career goal for Los Blancos with a never-say-die attitude for a loose ball in midfield.
Valverde is one of the hardest working midfielders in La Liga right now, and the Uruguayan has to be considered Real’s biggest breakout star of the season, barring more minutes from summer acquisition Rodrygo.
Zinedine Zidane clearly favors Valverde, and why wouldn’t he? Valverde played a role in all three of Real’s clean sheets in September, and he was at the heart of everything good defensively and in midfield when Real held Granada without a shot on target during the first half.
Per WhoScored.com, Valverde completed three dribbles and had three tackles defensively, with these two individual statistics highlighting the all-around ability that he brings to the table.
Since Toni Kroos may have to miss some time with an injury after being substituted in the 34th minute with an apparent muscular issue, Valverde’s spot in the starting lineup is entrenched. If Kroos is out, then he, Casemiro, and James Rodriguez could be the ideal midfield trio for Zidane in the interim.
And speaking of Casemiro and James, there will be words written about these two superstar players shortly…