Real Madrid center midfielder Fede Valverde did not play at his normal position against Liverpool in the second leg of the Champions League semifinals. He started at right back in a traditional back four for Los Blancos, as Zinedine Zidane was without either Dani Carvajal or Lucas Vazquez due to injury. And he preferred Valverde over true right back Alvaro Odriozola.
Although Valverde showed some nerves early in the match, the Uruguayan was excellent as a whole. And what was most impressive was the work rate. The work rate he showed in a match that he needed painkillers to play.
Valverde’s girlfriend Mina Bonino posted a photo on her Twitter account of Valverde’s foot before the match.
Madridistas have always known Valverde as a player who has so much heart and will do anything to help his club. They knew coming into this match that he would be making a personal sacrifice to play through pain. If he did not play, nobody would have faulted him.
But this photo right here is a visceral, visual reminder of Valverde’s passion and determination.
Esto fue hoy a la tarde. No quería poner nada hasta que terminase el partido y seguro después me retes por publicarla, pero debo hacerlo igual porque es tu esfuerzo y nadie te regalo nada. Día y día pinchándote para estar firme y hoy cumpliste más que nunca
— Mina Bonino (@Minabonino) April 14, 2021
Sos nuestro orgullo pic.twitter.com/PnZjOpx3jJ
Fede Valverde had 11 total defensive actions for Real Madrid at Liverpool
Valverde’s quality cannot be questioned. He is one of the best midfielders in the world. And his commitment to Real Madrid is, likewise, unquestionable.
Before Alvaro Odriozola entered the match for a worn-out Toni Kroos, Valverde gave it his all at right back against one of the world’s best forwards in Sadio Mane. And he never stopped running until the end, ensuring Real Madrid would keep hold of a 0-0 scoreline and advance into the Champions League semifinals.
Per WhoScored.com, Valverde had two key passes, three dribbles completed, three tackles, two clearances, and a jaw-dropping eight interceptions.
In any match, those would be impressive numbers. In a Champions League elimination match while starting in an unfamiliar position and playing through that kind of swelling in his foot, Valverde’s performance was heroic. It will endure in the minds of Madridistas.
Thank you, Fede.