The Valverde Effect: Real Madrid’s midfield workhorse shining in early season

In a Real Madrid squad full of stars like Jude Bellingham, Vinicius Jr, and Kylian Mbappe, Federico Valverde’s name is steadily emerging as one to be recognised, and rightly so.

His performances are beginning to demand attention, and his contributions to the team’s success cannot be ignored.

Despite playing alongside some of the most talented footballers in the world, Valverde has carved out a critical role for himself.

He is the heart of this Madrid side, providing the spark when the team needs it most, and establishing himself as an essential player as the club seeks a renewed identity.

Valverde has become the key figure in Real Madrid’s midfield, offering versatility and consistency in a team that is still in search of its rhythm.

Much like an orchestra conductor, he directs the team’s play with skill, while also proving to be the one executing decisive actions in matches. In Real Madrid’s recent victories, Valverde has been a constant presence.

His contributions were pivotal in securing wins, as seen with his goals against Atalanta and Valladolid, as well as a key assist against Real Betis. His backheel pass, described as “incredible” by Mbappe, further highlighted the Uruguayan’s influence on the pitch.

These moments are merely glimpses of the immense potential Valverde possesses, with his form being just the tip of the iceberg.

An heir to Kroos? Stats say so

While the departure of Toni Kroos has left a significant gap in Real Madrid’s midfield, Valverde has not only taken on the German’s iconic number 8 shirt but has also absorbed some of his responsibilities.

Although the two are different types of players, Valverde has added a creative edge to his game that Madrid fans have long been accustomed to from Kroos. In just five matches, Valverde’s impact has been felt, particularly in his offensive play.

His statistics speak for themselves. Though the sample size is still small (5 games), the 2024/25 season seeing the best offensive averages of his career. He’s delivering 0.18 assists per 90 minutes, 0.73 key passes, 7.48 successful passes into the final third, and 6.75 progressive passes per game.

Not forgetting defensive duties

Interestingly, Valverde has not neglected his defensive duties either. His work rate off the ball has also reached new heights this season.

He has achieved his best numbers in terms of recoveries in the opposition’s half, with 3.47 per 90 minutes, and is excelling in defensive duels won, standing at 2.74 per game.

He is also close to matching his all-time best recovery numbers, with an average of 6.21 recoveries per game compared to 6.71 in the previous two seasons.

He has also improved his care with the ball, reducing his number of lost balls from 7.7 in past seasons to just 6.02 this year.

What about offence?

One of the most striking aspects of Valverde’s game is his ability to make key passes. In the squad, he has the second-highest number of key passes this season, with 10, only trailing behind Vinicius Jr, who leads with 15.

This means Valverde is responsible for a remarkable 16.4% of the team’s total key passes, underlining his importance in Madrid’s attacking play.

Valverde has also become one of Real Madrid’s most effective weapons when it comes to driving the ball forward.

Known for his powerful runs, he often starts these driving attacks in the second half of matches, sensing when his team needs that extra spark to break through the opposition’s lines.

His runs create space and opportunities for the forwards, making him one of the key factors in Madrid’s tactical setup.

Up with the very best

The statistics from the first five games of the 2023/24 season further illustrate Valverde’s contribution. While Kylian Mbappe leads the team with three goals, Valverde has scored two himself.

When it comes to overall goal contributions, Valverde, Mbappe, and Vinicius all stand on three each, showing how vital the Uruguayan is to Madrid’s offensive play.

In terms of chances created, Vinicius Jr tops the list with 17, but Valverde is not far behind with 11, reinforcing his role as a creative force in the team.

In his first five appearances of the season, Valverde has played all 450 minutes, averaging 56 accurate passes per game with an impressive accuracy rate of 89%. He has also won 23 out of 29 duels, showcasing his ability to compete and dominate in one-on-one situations.

He ranks fourth in La Liga for chances created from open play, with 10 to his name already this season.

As the season progresses, Valverde is expected to play an even more significant role for Real Madrid. If he continues at his current pace, he could accumulate over 5,000 minutes by the end of the season, which could include as many as 72 games.

With Kroos having departed and injuries affecting players like Eduardo Camavinga, Bellingham, and Dani Ceballos, Valverde has become the pillar holding Real Madrid’s midfield together.

Real Madrid are expecting a lot

What makes Valverde’s rise even more remarkable is the absence of any clear ceiling to his potential. At 25 years old, he’s already one of the most complete midfielders in Europe, and there’s still room for him to grow.

His work rate, versatility, and ability to influence both defensive and attacking phases make him an invaluable asset for Real Madrid.

There’s no gamble with Valverde, just consistent, top-level performances. As Real Madrid navigates the challenges of a long and demanding season, Valverde will be central to their success.

His combination of tactical intelligence, physicality, and technical ability ensures that he will continue to be a vital cog in the Real Madrid machine. In a team full of stars, Federico Valverde is making his mark, and it’s clear that his best is yet to come.