Real Madrid have a bunch of great, great youngsters in the squad. Some of them have a lot of potential but haven’t tapped into it yet. On the other hand, Vinicius Junior has been balling out this season, emerging as possibly the best left-winger in the world based on current form. But then you have one player, a youngster who hasn’t had the best season so far, but he’s certainly very important for the present and the future.
Fede Valverde has had it tough this season. He’s had injury issues bothering him throughout the season, and has also had a few mediocre performances in the last couple of months. But, one thing we do know about him is the fact that he will always, always put the team first. He absolutely loves Real Madrid and he would do anything for this badge, and I love that.
We’ve seen Valverde perform well, or come in clutch during really big games in the past, for example, he had a beautiful pass to Eduardo Camavinga – another great youngster – in the build-up to the winning goal against Inter in the first game of the Champions League this season.
But, he really loves to play against Real Madrid’s rivals. Valverde realises the importance of the games, and understands how big it would be for morale to win against Real Madrid’s big rivals, so he is sure to perform well in nearly every single rivalry match.
The Clasico wasn’t the first time Valverde has performed well for Real Madrid in rivalry games
Of course, Valverde scored the winning goal in extra-time against Barcelona to take Real Madrid to the Supercopa final, and it made me think: When has Valverde not performed well in rivalry games?
Well, in the league game against Barcelona, Valverde was brought on to close the game and was subbed off a few minutes later due to injury, and he only played five minutes against Atletico this season. But in most of the other games prior to this season, the Uruguayan has had an impact on how the team performed.
Last season, Valverde scored an amazing goal vs Barcelona in the first Clasico of the season to start things off, it was a fantastic run through Barca’s gaps, and the finish was perfect.
In the return leg, Valverde had a great run through the right side again, and passed it wide to Lucas Vazquez, who crossed the ball to Karim Benzema for the win. He may not have been directly involved in that goal, but if it wasn’t for his explosive pace, the goal wouldn’t have happened.
Take it back to 2019-20. I think we all know this one. Federico Valverde, in extra-time, took one for the team when he brought Morata down when he was through on goal. He got a red card but he prevented Atletico from scoring there, and Real went on to win the game via penalty shootout.
I can just see him playing well in every big game once he becomes a full-time starter for the team, and I can’t wait for it. Valverde is a Madridista through and through, and I just love watching him give his all for the badge every time he steps onto the pitch. I really hope the winner against Barcelona results in a confidence boost for the midfielder, because, truth be told, it’s been a while since I’ve seen him play at his best this season.