Fede Valverde finds himself under scrutiny as Real Madrid‘s season unfolds. The Uruguayan midfielder, often seen as a key figure in the squad, is now part of a group labeled “rebels” by fans and media alike. As the second captain behind Dani Carvajal, Valverde’s recent performances have not aligned with the exemplary image expected of him. Earlier this season, he made headlines by expressing his reluctance to play as a right-back and notably skipping warm-ups before a match against Kairat. This past weekend against Elche, despite returning from an international break to recover from a muscle overload, Valverde started on the bench. When he did enter the match, his impact was minimal and raised questions about his commitment.
His attitude during critical moments has come under fire; most notably, his passive approach during the build-up to Elche’s second goal was alarming. Observers noted a disconnect between Valverde and coach Xabi Alonso, leading to speculation about his future role within the team. Reports suggest that Valverde is among those unhappy with Alonso’s arrival at the club. Renowned journalist Anton Meana of Cadena SER highlighted the issue, stating that “the problem isn’t Xabi Alonso, but there’s no clear solution.” He further elaborated that “the club perceives a distance between players and their coach,” indicating potential unrest within the squad.
Valverde’s Role Under Scrutiny
The situation is complicated for Valverde, who wears the number 8 jersey—a number steeped in history at Real Madrid. This number was once donned by legends like Toni Kroos, and expectations for Valverde were high as he was viewed as a successor in midfield. However, it appears that Alonso envisions his midfield differently, favoring players like Aurélien Tchouaméni, Arda Güler, and Jude Bellingham over the Uruguayan. While Valverde has shown versatility and reliability when deployed as a right-back—arguably performing better than an injured Carvajal or an out-of-form Trent Alexander-Arnold—his aspirations seem misaligned with the current tactical setup.
Implications for the Team
This ongoing tension could have significant implications for both Valverde and Real Madrid as they navigate a demanding season ahead. With crucial matches approaching, including high-stakes encounters in La Liga and Champions League fixtures, the need for unity and commitment within the squad has never been more pressing. As Meana pointed out, “Valverde is a big problem because he sees himself as Kroos while Alonso does not view him as a central midfielder.” This perception could hinder not only Valverde’s development but also disrupt team dynamics.
As fans eagerly await his resurgence, one question lingers: Can Fede Valverde reclaim his form and find harmony within this evolving squad? With so much at stake for both player and club, all eyes will be on him in the coming weeks.
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