After a breakout start to the season, more people are starting to notice Federico Valverde’s value to this Real Madrid team. The explosive Uruguayan midfielder has proven to be extremely important to Carlo Ancelotti’s side on the right wing. His versatility allows Los Blancos to play in numerous ways, which was one of the keys to winning last year’s Champions League.
“10 goals this season or I will tear up my coaching license”. Those were the words Carlo Ancelotti said to Federico Valverde this season. After being named the starting right winger last season, Valverde had a tough time finding the net as a forward. Which was completely normal. Originally, Valverde plays in the middle of the field. But his work-rate and versatility were enough to offset the lack of goals.
He provided an incredible amount of support in defense, and his transition runs with the ball at a blistering speed made Real Madrid lethal on the counterattack. Valverde dropped down a lot to help Carvajal in his right-back position, or strengthened the midfield by helping in the middle. It allowed for a lot of freedom for the players around him, mainly Benzema, Modric, and Carvajal.
He allows Real Madrid to change their formation in the blink of an eye. They start as a 433, but a lot of times we have seen them with 5 defenders on one line, with Valverde being the right back. He often drops down to the midfield, allowing Vini Jr. to support Benzema in the middle in a 442 (diamond or regular).
It becomes a headache to attack against, and gives you migraines when you have to defend it. Real Madrid is very sound tactically. Valverde’s versatility on the right side allows them to be very organizational on defense, while having a lot of freedom in attack.
Breakout
This year, Fede has become an absolute star. His game-winning assist in last year’s Champions League Final was repeated when he assisted Vini Jr. once again in the UEFA Supercup final. Since then, he has banged in a ludicrous number of goals from outside the box.
His shooting technique is old-school special. It kind of reminds me of Luis Figo. Shooting straight with the laces and following through with absurd power. Some of the goals he has this year are just ridiculous shots. And it feels like it’s always going in.
That’s why he has received way more freedom to do so. Ancelotti has given him the green light, maybe because he wants to keep coaching, who knows? His tally is up to 8 goals on the season, most of them being thunderous long-distance strikes. I think it’s safe to say that Carlo Ancelotti will be able to continue coaching legally, and even safer to say that Fede Valverde is a superstar.
Courtside 