The importance of Fede Valverde in Real Madrid is more than proven, something that, just in case, the footballer was again commissioned to demonstrate against Atlético de Madrid last Tuesday in the first leg of the round of 16 of the Champions League. His presence was decisive: he set up Rodrygo’s first goal after just three minutes, and made several key interventions that cut short the rojiblancos’ chances of finding the back of Courtois’ net. It doesn’t matter if he plays as a midfielder or a full-back, his performance is of great value wherever he plays.
Problems with the biceps femoris
The Real Madrid player is suffering from a muscle injury to his hamstring. After playing practically every game, his body seems to have had enough, or not seen what it saw against Atlético de Madrid. His hamstring injury has caused him to miss the last few games of his team and against Simeone’s team, after a great deal of thought between player and coach, and taking a high risk, the Uruguayan was chosen to start.
Fortunately, Real Madrid did not get their money’s worth, as Valverde’s performance was outstanding and decisive for the game. He seems to have been playing as a right back all his life, and he was on the field for 81 minutes, until Carlo Ancelotti decided that enough was enough and brought on Lucas Vázquez.
Ancelotti’s plan for Valverde
But the plan could have gone awry in the opening minutes of the game. Valverde showed signs of pain at the start of the match, although he gradually warmed up and his desire and commitment got the better of it. But it is clear that the player is not 100% and that he could suffer a relapse.
For this reason, Carlo Ancelotti will give him a rest this Sunday against Rayo Vallecano, a match that, a priori, is less demanding for the Whites, but which could be a trap. Real Madrid need to take all three points no matter what, otherwise the league championship would become extremely complicated. However, it is hoped that Lucas Vázquez has used this week to recover his fitness to allow him to occupy the position without complications, something that did not happen in the Whites’ defeat to Betis.
The idea is that the player takes advantage of every minute of rest to be able to arrive in full condition for the return leg at the Metropolitano, a match that, although they assume the advantage achieved in the first leg, will be a challenge to reach the next round. Valverde’s participation in the match, given his performance and how his attitude is contagious to the team, is essential for the team.
Valverde earns his place at full-back
For Carlo Ancelotti there is no doubt that Fede Valverde should occupy the midfield. It is the position in which he performs best, he helps in defense, he gets forward in attack, his shot from outside the area is devastating, his precision in long passes is beyond doubt, and his physical capacity allows him to endure the 90 minutes with an amazing performance from side to side.
However, Dani Carvajal‘s injury and the poor performance of Lucas Vázquez means that the Italian coach is prioritizing, and for him, the key to victory starts with having a solid defense, which is why Fede Valverde could be Real Madrid’s right back towards the end of the season. The injury of Ceballos in the midfield has changed the Italian coach’s roadmap, but with Camavinga and Modric, he believes he has more than enough arguments to sacrifice the Uruguayan and move him to the right wing until next season.
Real Madrid are aware of the dangers Valverde faces if he plays at the moment, but they know that this is a key moment in the season when there is no holding back, especially in a competition as demanding as the Champions League.