Federico Valverde
RMA
Center Midfielder
Box-to-Box
Jul 22, 1998 (28)
Right
6'0"
172 lb
Shifts to right-back role
Valverde recorded 85 minutes of play as a right-back in Sunday's 4-1 win over Sevilla.
Analysis: Valverde made his 11th start of the season across La Liga and UCL competitions, though this time he played in a more defensive spot compared to the central midfield position he had occupied earlier in the campaign. The decision to leave both Denzel Dumfries and Trent Alexander-Arnold on the bench could be a sign that the duo is not fully convincing coach Jose Mourinho, so Valverde could see increased action in the back line in upcoming action, although the rotation may also allow him to move between defense and midfield given his status as one of the most versatile players on the team. The Uruguayan, who has scored one goal and two assists over his last 11 club appearances, should be able to add a variety of defensive stats if he stays in his new role in the future.
Makes squad for Elche clash
Valverde (undisclosed) makes the squad for Tuesday's clash against Elche, confirming the issue he suffered in Saturday's 4-1 win over Rayo Vallecano was only minor, the club posted.
Analysis: Valverde had been substituted at halftime of the recent win over Rayo Vallecano as a precaution, with coach Jose Mourinho explaining at the time it was tied to a minor issue rather than anything serious given the comfortable scoreline. His inclusion in the squad list for Tuesday's clash against Elche now confirms he has recovered, positioning him to continue building on a productive recent stretch that included a goal against Inter Milan and strong defensive numbers.
Precautionary halftime substitution
Valverde (undisclosed) contributed one tackle (one won), and two shots (none on target) before being substituted at halftime of Saturday's 4-1 win over Rayo Vallecano as a precaution, according to coach Jose Mourinho, per Diario AS. "The other day, when Valverde came off at halftime, he did so as a precaution because he was dealing with a minor issue, had the score been 0-0, he would have stayed on, we push the limits of risk, but with a 3-0 lead, we are going to protect the player."
Analysis: Valverde had scored in the recent Champions League win over Inter Milan, part of a productive stretch that included nine tackles, five clearances and six shots over his last five matches. This precautionary withdrawal does not appear to be a serious concern given the context, and his status will continue to be monitored as Real Madrid manages his workload. His next chance to feature will come against Elche on Tuesday and if he had to miss the game, Eduardo Camavinga and Bernardo Silva will likely pair in the midfield against the Franjiverdes.
Makes two tackles in loss
Valverde recorded one cross (zero accurate) and one chance created in Friday's 1-0 defeat to Spain.
Analysis: Valverde had a quiet and disappointing outing in Uruguay's defeat that led to an early elimination, making two tackles as his best statline before subbing off in the 57th minute. That was the first time in three games he did not play the full 90. The Real Madrid midfielder finished the World Cup with no goals or assists, plus 10 shots and 11 crosses.
Game high seven shots in draw
Valverde took seven shots (zero on goal) and two crosses (zero accurate) in Sunday's 2-2 draw with Cape Verde.
Analysis: Valverde was Uruguay's driving force in midfield and one of the standout performers in a frustrating 2-2 draw against Cape Verde. The captain dictated the tempo and covered plenty of ground on both sides of the ball, firing off a game-high seven shots in the process. If Uruguay is to move on to the knockout phase, they'll need a big performance out of Valverde against Spain on Friday.
Three shots, eight crosses in draw
Valverde generated three shots (two on goal), eight crosses (zero accurate) and two corners in Monday's 1-1 draw versus Saudi Arabia.
Analysis: Valverde slotted as a right winger in what appeared to be a 4-2-3-1 setting, but the Real Madrid playmaker was a dominant presence in the middle of the park due to his passing and crossing skills. Playing in a more advanced role should boost his fantasy upside considerably, and he's tipped to be heavily involved again when Uruguay take on Cape Verde on Sunday, especially considering that Giorgian De Arrascaeta (calf) won't be an option.
Heartbeat of Uruguay midfield
Valverde has been named in Uruguay's World Cup squad as the undisputed star of the team under coach Marcelo Bielsa, arriving at the tournament as the first-choice penalty taker and one of the most complete midfielders in world football.
Analysis: Valverde delivered another outstanding campaign with Real Madrid, contributing eight goals and 12 assists alongside 62 tackles and 35 interceptions across 46 appearances in all competitions, underlining his status as one of the most dynamic and influential midfielders in European football. His thunderous long-range shooting, ability to cover ground in both directions, arrive late into the box and deliver in the biggest moments make him the heartbeat of Uruguay's midfield and the player around whom manager Marcelo Bielsa builds his entire system. For Uruguay, Valverde is the difference-maker capable of winning matches on his own in a tournament where individual moments of brilliance can prove decisive, and his combination of defensive output, creative contribution and direct goal threat makes him one of the more complete and dangerous midfielders in the entire competition this summer.
Starts Saturday's season finale
Valverde is back from injury and has been named in the starting lineup for Saturday's season finale against Athletic Club.
Analysis: Valverde returned to training over the past week after missing the last three games with a head injury, forcing his way straight back into the starting XI for the final game of the season.
Could be available Saturday
Valverde (head) returned to full training this week and could be an option for Saturday's season finale against Athletic Club, the club posted.
Analysis: Valverde had been ruled out of Sunday's clash against Sevilla after not recovering enough from his cranioencephalic trauma that kept him sidelined for about two weeks, but his return to full collective sessions is the clearest sign yet that he is ready to contribute before the season concludes. The Uruguayan midfielder is expected to push for a starting role against Athletic Club if he comes through the remaining sessions without any issues, giving coach Alvaro Arbeloa a key option back in the midfield engine room for the final fixture of Real Madrid's campaign.
Remains out Sunday
Valverde (head) remains unavailable and will not feature in Sunday's clash against Sevilla, with the club set to assess his condition ahead of next week's season finale against Athletic Club, the club posted.
Analysis: Valverde had been ruled out for 10 to 14 days after suffering a cranioencephalic trauma, and despite returning to training earlier in the week, the club has decided not to rush him back for the Sevilla fixture. Real Madrid will monitor his recovery carefully over the coming days before making a final call on his involvement against Athletic Club, with the midfielder desperate to contribute before the season concludes. Thiago Pitarch or Eduardo Camavinga are expected to cover during his absence.
Back in training, should return
Valverde (head) trained with the team Friday and should be an option for Sunday's clash against Sevilla, according to Madrid Xtra.
Analysis: Valverde had been ruled out for 10 to 14 days after suffering a cranioencephalic trauma, missing the clashes against Barcelona and Oviedo during his absence. His return to the training pitch ahead of Sunday's fixture against Sevilla is an encouraging development, and the club will make a final call on his involvement after assessing how he comes through the final sessions. Getting Valverde back in the fold for the Sevilla clash would restore one of their most important midfield options for the remaining games.
Out 10-14 days with head injury
Valverde will be forced to rest for 10 to 14 days after suffering a cranioencephalic trauma, the club announced Thursday.
Analysis: Valverde is now set to miss the next two La Liga games against Barcelona and Oviedo, respectively, while he recovers from the blow. Additionally, the team has opened disciplinary proceedings against him following an altercation with Aurelien Tchouameni, and there could be further punishment in upcoming days. The Uruguayan's absence from the lineup is a blow to the Merengues' midfield, with Thiago Pitarch and Brahim Diaz set for increased involvement to cover his all-around duties.
Assists Tuesday
Valverde assisted once to go with one shot (zero on goal), one cross (zero accurate) and one chance created in Tuesday's 2-1 victory over Deportivo Alaves.
Analysis: Valverde assisted Vinicius Junior's goal in the 50th minute Tuesday, helping Madrid take a 2-0 lead at home. It marked his eighth assist of the season -- his first since Feb. 21 -- to go along with his five goals. It was the only chance he created in the match, and he also took one off target shot, recorded one inaccurate cross and won two tackles in his full 90 minutes of action.
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