Real Madrid News
Uruguay manager praises Real Madrid captain’s versatility: ‘A different player than the others’
Federico Valverde has been one of Real Madrid’s most important and consistent players this season and has led the midfield by example.
While it is true that the men in white have lacked control through the middle, he has been one of the immovable cogs in the department who provides some defensive stability and moments of brilliance, which the team depends on.
What makes him more handy to the manager, however, is the fact that he can play multiple positions based on the team’s needs, and he has played as a full-back, midfielder and a winger for the club in recent times.
NT manager praises Valverde
Uruguay NT manager Marcelo Bielsa opened up on the Real Madrid captain in a recent interview, where he explained in detail what made him different from other midfielders.
“Fede Valverde is a different player than the others in his position.
“He plays through the middle of the pitch, while moving just as comfortably from the middle to the right as from the middle to the left,” he began, highlighting Valverde’s versatility.
He then explained how it was phenomenal that the Real Madrid star could play as a defensive midfielder on need while also being comfortable in the interior and attacking midfield.
“In midfield, he can play in a deep-lying role, ahead of the DM, he can also play close to an attacking midfielder, and he operates effectively across all three zones of the pitch.
“Then, recently, he also played as a fullback,” he added.
If the list of positions where Valverde can play was not exhaustive enough, Bielsa then highlighted the player’s ability to play as a winger, which was utilised by Alvaro Arbeloa in some recent games as well.
“What most recently caught everyone’s attention was his performance as a winger.
“He’s created decisive plays, normally on the right, but lately we’ve also seen him make runs down the left and provide assists from there.”
Finally, he compared the player to the likes of Pedri and Vitinha and concluded that Valverde is one of the best players in the world.
“This is what makes him different to someone like Pedri or Vitinha. Neither Pedri nor Vitinha have this versatility.
“Fede is undoubtedly one of the best players in the world,” he concluded.
Source: AUF Instagram
Real Madrid News
Mourinho considering starting 23-year-old Real Madrid ace against Villarreal – report
After impressing during the international break, Eduardo Camavinga has a major opportunity to establish himself in Real Madrid’s midfield rotation.
Indeed, according to Defensa Central, Jose Mourinho is considering starting the Frenchman against Villarreal, with injuries and doubts over several players limiting his options.
Real Madrid cannot afford to drop points against Villarreal if they want to remain in the title race. However, Mourinho has issues to deal with in the squad, which could lead him to turn to Camavinga for a crucial role.
Camavinga could replace Tchouameni in midfield
The 23-year-old star could line up as the defensive midfielder in the double pivot, with Bernardo Silva or Arda Guler alongside him, and will be tasked with providing balance in midfield.
Real Madrid face Villarreal with several problems in central defence. Ibrahima Konate is expected to be a late call, leading Mourinho to consider moving Aurelien Tchouameni into defence alongside Antonio Rudiger.
Meanwhile, Federico Valverde could also struggle to be ready after the ankle injury he sustained in the derby before the international break.
The Uruguayan has continued to work individually away from the group and might return to group training tomorrow. Even then, his readiness to start remains in question.
That would leave a place open in midfield, with Camavinga in line to fill in.
Camavinga impressed during the international break
Camavinga has started only one match this season, the defeat against Real Betis.
Despite his limited opportunities, Mourinho is keen to bring the Frenchman back into the fold after he impressed for France during the international break.
Zinedine Zidane called the Real Madrid star up for his first France squad, and the midfielder performed well during the break.
That has given Mourinho and Real Madrid reason to be optimistic about using him against Villarreal, with the hope that he can move closer to the level he showed after first arriving at the club.
Therefore, the Villarreal match could represent an important test for Camavinga and a chance for the Frenchman to show that he can provide the balance Real Madrid need in midfield.
