“Eternal Engine” of Real Madrid
In Real Madrid’s squad, there are players who are good at scoring goals like Mbappe, good at playing the ball like Bellingham, or strong at defense like Rudiger. As for Valverde, he does everything at a pretty good level or better. The only thing that the “Los Blancos” coaching staff has doubts about the Uruguayan player is probably just the position… goalkeeper.
In the recent match Real Madrid won against Leganes with a score of 3-0 in La Liga, Valverde was placed at right back. Even though he played against his strengths, the star born in 1998 still left a memorable performance. Valverde is fierce in defense and passionate in attack. He also scored with a dangerous long-range shot in the 66th minute. This player looks like a true full-back, not a reluctant stuntman.
Valverde also wore the Real Madrid captain’s armband for the first time in this match. In the context that captain Modric is at the other end of his career and vice-captain Carvajal is seriously injured, Valverde taking on the captaincy is completely worthy.
Valverde’s level of dedication is also shown through the number of minutes played. He has been on the field for 1,527 minutes, only 10 minutes less than the person with the most appearances in Real Madrid in the 2024/25 season, Rudiger. Therefore, the Uruguayan player increasingly has a voice in the “Los Blancos” dressing room.
Having Valverde in the squad is a blessing for every strategist in the world. Coach Ancelotti is the most charming person as he directed this player during his peak performance.
Threat to Liverpool
Liverpool fans probably cannot forget the unbelievable architectural problem that Valverde brought to Vinicius in the 2021/22 Champions League final. “The Kop” defense almost covers every gap, but Valverde still makes a difference. In that match, Liverpool played with the mentality of the favorite team, but in the end lost with a score of 0-1.
Coach Ancelotti certainly wants Valverde to continue to instill fear in Liverpool in the next match. When Valverde can play in any position, causing mutations in many angles, it will be difficult for “The Kop” stars to block.
Valverde also had the opportunity to play right-back position when he played for Liverpool. The match took place in a miserable quarter-final like the 2020/21 C1 Cup season. Real Madrid then drew 0-0 with Liverpool, thereby winning 3-1 in the first leg.
In the context of Real Madrid being injured before the Liverpool match, it is really possible that Valverde is still healthy. Wherever the peaceful “white vulture” is, Valverde is ready to become a “patcher”.
Mbappé once talked about Valverde’s importance: “Valverde is of great importance at Real Madrid. People may not pay much attention to him on the field, but what Valverde brings is very important to us. I . Hopefully Valverde will continue to help Real Madrid win the title.”
Let’s wait and see how Coach Ancelotti will surprise with the versatile card Valverde. It is unknown whether the Uruguayan star will play the role of the punisher “The Kop”, not Mpbapp or Bellingham.