Quite a few Real Madrid players were linked with moves away over the summer. But overall, the club were able to hold onto their core. Of course, key stars like Karim Benzema and Marco Asensio left at the end of last season, but that was due to their contracts running out. Admittedly, Los Blancos do not have much depth in their squad but they do have plenty of quality, as proven by their start to the campaign.
Carlo Ancelotti’s side have won all five of their league games till now. As a result, they sit on top of the table.
Federico Valverde has played his part in that. He scored the equaliser against Real Sociedad at the weekend, before Joselu won Real Madrid the game at the hour mark.
Valverde was one of the players heavily linked with a summer exit. Teams like Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester City were linked with him. But ultimately, the Uruguayan stayed put in the Spanish capital and remains a regular starter for Ancelotti’s side.
Real Madrid superstar confirmed to have rejected Premier League clubs
As tweeted by Fabrizio Romano, Valverde rejected approaches from Premier League clubs this summer. He only wanted Real Madrid.
Valverde was signed by Real Madrid while he was still a teenager. Slowly but surely, he has developed into a first-team starter for Los Blancos. And with Ancelotti using a midfield diamond this season, there is one more spot available in the middle of the park.
So, Valverde should not have any lack of playing time this season. Of course, his scoring rate is expected to drop from last season as Jude Bellingham is playing the most advanced role in midfield. But the Uruguayan remains a key part of this team and he can still find the back of the net, as he showed against Real Sociedad.