Real Madrid News
Real Madrid mainstay had doubts about future until Spanish Super Cup semi-final vs Barcelona
Federico Valverde is having the season of his life at Real Madrid. Anything the midfielder touches apparently turns to gold as he enjoys a period of no mistake.
However, the garden was not always full of roses for the Uruguayan international. In fact, he was not even considered a guaranteed starter one year ago.
According to reports from MARCA, Fede Valverde had doubts about his future at Real Madrid even midway through last season. He was already in the hunt for new pastures and saw a move away as the best chance to get minutes under his belt.
The turning point of his career came when he scored a 98th-minute winner in a thrilling five-goal El Clasico to give Real Madrid a win in the semi-final of the Spanish Super Cup against Barcelona. To this day, it is exactly one year since that memorable match and Valverde’s rebirth.
From that point on, Valverde has not looked back as he played a key role in Los Blancos’ La Liga and UEFA Champions League triumphs last season.
Furthermore, the 24-year-old has scored six goals and provided two assists in just 14 La Liga starts this season. With an average of two shots and two key passes per ninety minutes, he is arguably one of the league’s best midfielders this term.
Valverde is expected to start in midfield alongside Luka Modric and Toni Kroos when Los Blancos take on Valencia later today in Riyadh for their first game of the Spanish Super Cup.
Needless to say, his ability to pull out goals from the most improbable situations will be even more key on the night given the direct knockout format.
Back in action in the same competition that saw his confidence restored, Valverde will look to put up a special display while also covering for the missing Aurelien Tchouameni.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr. admits finishing problem after another frustrating night vs Elche: ‘Can’t miss that much’
Vinicius Jr.’s difficult start in front of goal continued against Elche, and the Real Madrid forward did not need anyone to tell him he had missed another chance to make the difference.
The Brazilian finished the night without a goal despite having chances to get on the scoresheet, while his teammates could only watch from the bench as opportunities went begging.
Jose Mourinho had already identified the problem before kick-off, bluntly pointing to the issue facing his forward, stating, “He’s missing the goal.”
Vini offered an equally frank assessment afterwards.
Rather than hide from another frustrating evening, he accepted responsibility on social media: “The goals will come back; I can’t miss that much…”
Two chances, no finish for Vinicius
Vinicius had two particularly clear openings against Elche, but neither produced the finish Real Madrid needed from their star forward.
The first arrived when he found himself one-on-one with the opposition goalkeeper.
Instead of finding the net, Vinicius caught the ball with the tip of his foot and sent his effort wide. Arda Guler was available during the move and called for the ball, but Vini backed himself to finish the chance.
He had another opportunity after the interval, this time following an excellent pass from Guler during a quick Real Madrid transition. Again, though, Vinicius could not find the target.
His evening ended in the 68th minute, with Mourinho deciding the Brazilian was tired and turning his attention towards Sunday’s Atletico Madrid derby.
Mourinho has a bigger decision to make
The numbers show why Vinicius’ finishing has become a talking point. He managed five shots against Elche, but only one was on target and none found the net.
After seven appearances this season, the Brazilian has scored just once, which is a striking return for a player Real Madrid rely upon to provide a major share of their attacking threat.
Ultimately, though, Real Madrid found another route to victory, with Arda Guler, Kylian Mbappe and Carlos Espi providing the goals in the 3-2 comeback.
