Real Madrid: Three foundational players to build around

Fede Valverde

Fede Valverde has been one of the sensations of Real Madrid in the 2019/20 season. When Zidane returned to Real Madrid and took charge in March 2019, he had three options in Dani Ceballos, Marcos Llorente, and Fede Valverde for the role of a second choice midfielder. The former two got significant minutes that season, unlike Fede. But it was the Uruguayan powerhouse who impressed Zinedine Zidane the most. Ceballos and Llorente left the club, but Valverde continued.

And when he got the chance, he made it count. He got his first start against Osasuna, and he impressed in every outing. He looked like the perfect box-to-box midfielder, who suits the modern game which is highly physical and demands tremendous work-rate from the players. He has all the skills required to become a world-class midfielder, but the energy he brings to the game makes him very special. He’s also one of the fastest players in the squad. And his passion for Real Madrid has been superb, and he has proved his commitment to Los Blancos from time to time.

The direct contender for his position of a right-sided central-midfielder is the legendary Luka Modric. Fede Valverde had the upper-hand over a 34-year-old Luka Modric till March 2020, and he became an unquestionable starter for the big games. But since June 2020, it has been Luka Modric all the way. The Croatian has been playing like he’s still in his prime and he has been one of the best players in his position, and he has visibly fallen down the pecking order due to Modric’s purple patch.

Another factor that has curbed his development this season is his injury issues this season. He began the season in brilliant fashion, scoring 3 goals and assisting one, including a goal against Barcelona. But a shinbone fracture in November 2020 and a muscular injury in January kept him out of action for many weeks.

There is no doubt about his quality and leadership skills, and in fact, he has never disappointed so far. From what we have seen of him so far, it’s safe to say that he’s one for the future and he’s the one to lead the future midfield of Real Madrid.