Real Madrid: Fede Valverde is exactly what was missing in midfield

Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane has been eyeing Paul Pogba for some time now, but an upcoming talent within the system may feed the managers’ desire.

It’s no secret that Zinedine Zidane has been a long-time admirer of Paul Pogba and understandably so. He’s a great player. For the past few years under the reign of the Frenchman, Pogba has been linked with a transfer to Real Madrid.

In the recent international break, both were spotted at a resort in the United Arab Emirates, hinting that a move could be made in January. But, has an unlikely source channeled Zidane’s energy in another direction?

Fede Valverde made his way into the first team via the Castilla, a pathway that any club would like to see come to fruition. This season has been far for more fruitful for the Uruguayan midfielder and he has earned that right.

With the departure of Marcos Llorente to rival Atletico Madrid, Valverde has moved up the pecking order.

This season, he has participated in nine games – seven in La Liga and two in the Champions League. With six starts, the midfielder has tallied up 530 minutes in all competitions.

Due to Luka Modric’s injury, Valverde has become Zidane’s second option alongside Casemiro and Toni Kroos.

In the nine games he has featured in, he has played in several capacities, showcasing a well-rounded skill set.

Having two defensively capable midfielders has helped Madrid operate more efficiently. The added security in the middle of the park has allowed for Kroos to venture further up the pitch, evidenced by his 30 key passes this season.

Not only has Kroos been able to move into open space freely, wingbacks on either side have the comfort of doing so as well. When Dani Carvajal and Marcelo or Ferland Mendy make their way up the flanks, Valverde sits deeper as a security measure in the event of a counterattack when only Sergio Ramos and Raphael Varane are holding the backline.

So far Valverde has put up some quality numbers this season, including an 86.9% pass completion rate. An incredible work rate from box to box is one of the reasons why Zidane admired Pogba so much, and that’s exactly what Valverde has brought to the table.

Valverde has been so good that many are calling for Zidane to rest Casemiro, who leads Madrid in minutes played with 1,290.

After the departure of Xabi Alonso, Casemiro was groomed for the holding midfield role, and he has flourished. But Real have to be careful that he is not overworked. Having Valverde in the fold will help alleviate the workload on Casemiro and make Real Madrid a force to be reckoned with when the two play simultaneously.