Real Madrid engines in midfield gaining transfer value

Real Madrid center midfielders Casemiro and Fede Valverde have thrived all season long as workhorses, and observers around the world are starting to give them their due credit.

The whole world was watching El Clasico this past Sunday, as Real Madrid definitively defeated their arch rivals, FC Barcelona, 2-0 in front of their fans at the Santiago Bernabeu. And while Vinicius Junior scored the decisive goal in the second half, another young star earned Man of the Match honors in Fede Valverde.

This has been a tremendous breakout season for Valverde, who has established himself as one of the best young midfielders in the world. Valverde never stops running, and for the second Clasico, he totally outclassed the more expensive Frenkie de Jong in the midfield battle.

With his technical quality, defensive work rate, desire to win, and athleticism, Valverde has all the tools to be a star for years to come with Los Blancos.

And that’s why it’s so good to see observers around the footballing world give him his proper due. In fact, Transfermarkt gave him and fellow center midfielder Casemiro 10 million euro upgrades in their transfer evaluations.

Transfermarkt now rates Valverde as worth 60 million euros, while Casemiro is worth 80 million euros.

Of course, both players are truly unsellable from Real Madrid’s perspective. A 21-year-old with Valverde’s all-around ability in midfield would go for far more than 60 million euros on the open market, especially as he continues to improve. Meanwhile, Casemiro is even more indispensable.

Casemiro was the unsung hero of El Clasico, pocketing Lionel Messi and putting on yet another defensive masterclass in midfield. If the Ballon d’Or started to value other positions besides attackers, Casemiro wouldn’t be a winner, but he would be a candidate. He’s been the best player in La Liga this season and a massive key to victory for Real Madrid in each and every game. There may not be a more important player in Zinedine Zidane‘s XI than the experienced Brazilian.

It always brings Madridistas joy to see their players getting positive attention around Europe, especially unsung heroes who ply their trade on hard work in the midfield. Valverde and Casemiro make the team infinitely better when they are on the pitch, as they are elite defensive contributors who can also bring quality to the attack with their running and decisive passing.

Again, Real Madrid won’t sell either player any time soon, but the larger importance is how their perceived stock is rising in football. That’s always good for the club.