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 have finally received some good news as MARCA confirms that Nacho has finally made his decision about his future, and is set to continue at the club for the foreseeable future.
His contract expires in the summer, and Real Madrid had tabled an extension for the player, which was not accepted by the Spaniard at the time. Now, however, he has decided to reject offers from Juventus, Inter Milan, Chelsea, Inter Milan, and AC Milan.
Nacho will sign a one year extension, with the option to extend for another year if both parties reach an agreement.
His continuity also means that he will be the new club captain for the 2023/24 season, since Karim Benzema is leaving the club on a free transfer in the summer. Luka Modric will be second captain, followed by Daniel Carvajal and Toni Kroos.
Carlo Ancelotti has also spoken to the player, confirming that they trust him for next season in the team, which has gone a long way in helping convince the player.
The Italian gaffer also spoke about the Spanish defender’s contract situation after the game against Athletic Club yesterday, saying:
“Asensio, Nacho and Ceballos? We have explained them their roles. The club have offered them renewals. Asensio has preferred to leave, Ceballos and Nacho are still thinking about it.”
While a centre-back by trade, Nacho has played across the defence for Madrid continuously, including putting shifts at left-back, right-back, and even centre-back.
His departure would have probably pushed Madrid to sign another defender, especially since they are considering selling Ferland Mendy if a good offer arrives.
Regardless of that, though, Madrid are moving to sign Alphonso Davies, and have already made initial contacts with the player. Bayern Munich have not rejected their advances.
Further, the los blancos management have already met with Davies’ entourage twice, cementing their interest in the Canadian ace.
