Examining the Real Madrid player who has no limits

Everything Everywhere All at Once. This time, the protagonist isn’t the Oscar-winning Michelle Yeoh but Federico Valverde. In a search for identity, the “Falcon” is the heartbeat of a Real Madrid with an irregular rhythm. Valverde’s contributions in LaLiga are standing out so far: he scored against Atalanta and Valladolid, and got an assist against Betis. Two goals and what Mbappé called an “incredible back-heel” have made the Uruguayan the star in each game, and it’s the tip of the iceberg.

Valverde has become Ancelotti’s jack-of-all-trades, a role made clearer when you examine the numbers. Without Kroos, he hasn’t just inherited the No. 8 shirt but also parts of his responsibilities. Though not a carbon copy of the German, Valverde has infused his own creativity into the role. The sample size is still small (just five games), but his offensive stats, beyond scoring, have reached new heights: career-best averages in assists (0.18 per 90 minutes), key passes (0.73), successful final-third passes (7.48), and progressive passes (6.75).

What are Valverde’s stats this season at Real Madrid?

All this while maintaining his natural defensive duties. He’s currently having his best season for recoveries in the opposition’s half (3.47), defensive duels won (2.74), and is close to his best total recoveries (6.21, just shy of his previous high of 6.71). His ball retention has also improved: last season he reduced his lost balls from 7.7 to 6.09 per game, and this season, it’s even lower at 6.02. Another gold star in his already impressive performance.

Valverde is omnipresent in Real Madrid. He initiates the play, links midfield to attack, and finishes with precision. With two goals, he shares the title of Madrid’s top scorer alongside Mbappé. “The work in midfield was all Valverde’s; he’s in dazzling form,” said Alfredo Relaño, honorary president of AS, after the victory against Betis.

Ancelotti has made Valverde a cornerstone of his team. He was already the most-used player last season, clocking 4,280 minutes, but his importance has only grown. Barring any setbacks, he’s on track to surpass 5,000 minutes this season, which could include up to 72 matches. With Kroos’ departure and injuries to Camavinga, Bellingham, and Ceballos, Valverde has become the pillar holding Madrid together. Ancelotti himself highlighted Valverde’s influence, saying, “He’s no longer just a great player; he’s a leader in the dressing room. He’s stepping into the shoes of Kroos, Casemiro, and Nacho.” Said and done.

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“I asked for 30!” joked Ancelotti when asked about another possible goal bet with Valverde. The famous ten-goal challenge in 2022-23 redefined Valverde’s role, transforming him from “Pajarito” (Little Bird) to Hawk. He hit a career-high 12 goals that season, eight of which came before December. Now, after only five games, he’s already scored twice, nearing last season’s total of three.

These goals reflect his growing significance within the team. While the first goal, in the European Super Cup, was a classic penalty box appearance, the indirect free-kick against Valladolid showcased his evolving prowess. He nearly repeated the feat against Las Palmas, with only a spectacular save by Cillessen denying him. Valverde is quickly becoming the go-to player for any free-kick near the edge of the area. No bets this time, but it’s clear that Valverde’s ceiling has yet to be reached.