Real Madrid got their 26/27 season off to winning start with a narrow 2-1 win over Espanyol in a match that told us a lot despite still only being matchday one. While it was a hard fought win from the boys and three points is three points, we saw a mix of performances from the players, some of which were worrying.
We saw the typical strong performances from players like Jude Bellingham and Arda Guler as well as a strong debut performance from Ibrahima Konate, one that will make many Real Madrid fans excited for the future. However, we also saw a number of lackluster performances, with Vinicius Jr's being the most prominent, however another player that put in a performance that could be worrying for the season was captain Fede Valverde.
Valverde could be put under some much needed pressure this season
The Uruguayan played alongside new arrival Bernardo Silva in a midfield pivot with Valverde occupying the defensive midfielder role and he struggled to adapt to the role. Valverde is used to pushing more forward and he did what felt natural to him in this match as well, and that left gaps in the midfield due to Bernardo also pushing more forward as well.
With Valverde struggling to adapt to the defensive midfield role he could find himself under immense pressure this season from Aurelien Tchouameni, the one true defensive midfielder in the squad. The Frenchman adds stability in the position as it's his natural position and he knows what it takes to play that role, something Valverde is showing early signs of struggling to adapt to. Tchouameni wasn't in the squad due to injury but is expected back soon, something Valverde won't be too happy about.
Should Mourinho turn to Tchouameni for the defensive midfield role, Valverde could be shifted to the deeper laying role we saw Toni Kroos play and what Bernardo played against Espanyol, however he has also struggled to adapt to that position before in the past so the 28-year-old could find himself under a lot of pressure to find his place in Mourinho's starting lineup.
The Uruguayan's form has been somewhat hit or miss over the last few seasons so this new pressure on him to fight for his place should come as a warm welcome. Valverde seems to have gotten complacent thinking his place is a guarantee, but with a manager like Mourinho at the helm, and an embarrassment of riches in midfield depth, Valverde is very much under pressure to perform this season and deliver performances in one of the most key areas on the pitch for Real Madrid.
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