Real Madrid has signed, sealed, and delivered their 34th La Liga title, so let’s take a look at three players that broke out of their shell this season.
The taste of victory is still fresh in the air and there’s still one game left to play but that doesn’t mean we can’t start breaking down the stars of the season. Real Madrid is still in the midst of their rebuild, but it seems as though they are in the tail end of it as the pieces of the puzzle are coming together.
Zinedine Zidane has been able to incorporate the youngsters on his team in a meaningful way, not just 10-minute cameos like at many other clubs in Europe.
Three players rose to the top time and again as Zidane put his confidence in his men. Each one brought something unique to the squad but it’s their incredible work ethic that makes them the Real Madrid of tomorrow, today.
Federico Valverde
Imagine having the fine opportunity to learn and develop your craft from Toni Kroos, Luka Modric and Casemiro. Well, that’s the privilege that has been awarded to Federico Valverde, and unlike those before him, he has made great use of it.
The sale of Marcos Llorente seemed to be a mistake – at least a the beginning of the season – but we found out very quickly Zidane had an ace up his sleeve.
Valverde was the talk of the town as the season progressed. The Uruguayan could not put a foot wrong every time he stepped on to the pitch. When Luka Modric sustained an injury he was there and played in double-pivot with Casemiro, and when substituted in, he played like a starter.
There is something so beautiful about watching Valverde play. The simplicity in his game is as though he has taken the best of the starting midfield three around him and incorporated it into his game.
By no means is he world-class (at least not yet) but, if there’s any midfielder who is on their way to such a status, it is Federico.
Valverde has looked more and more confident after every cap he has received with Real Madrid and to have the faith of Zidane at just 21 years old, now that deserves a massive cookie. No player under the age of 25 at Real Madrid has played more than Valverde thus far.