Real Madrid: Five takeaways from a 4-1 win over Granada

Fede Valverde makes a big impact

Real Madrid center midfielder Fede Valverde was playing at a very high level to start the season, but injuries prevented him from truly adding to his strong 2019-2020 campaign. Now that Valverde is returning to health, we are starting to see more of that world-class-caliber play from the 22-year-old.

Valverde was phenomenal against Granada, even if his performance could easily get overlooked by virtue of his lack of goals or assists in a four-goal performance for Los Merengues.

According to WhoScored.com, Valverde led Real Madrid with four key passes and two dribbles completed. He also had three tackles and an interception.

The Uruguayan did it all for Real on LaLiga’s Matchday 36, especially when it came to recovering the ball to start attacks. That’s really valuable for this team, because it quickly creates clear-cut chances and takes advantage of the ability of wide players like Rodrygo Goes and Vinicius Junior to break into dangerous areas.

Valverde put in a great shift for 61 minutes, constantly creating turnovers and usually finding the right pass in the final third to make something happen. He’s such an asset to have in the XI, and he should be applauded for another stalwart performance. Valverde knows that he’s not far away from fully breaking into this starting lineup.