Fede Valverde: The Bernabeu's New Hero
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Few years ago, Real Madrid bought a tall and skinny midfielder, then aged 18 for 5 million Euros. This particular player has played with the Castilla team and was later sent on loan to Deportivo L'Coruna before returning to the first team.
He played very little part in the progress of the Real Madrid team each season and was on the verge of leaving before a certain French legend, now coach of Real Madrid decided he would remain around.
Zinedine Zidane had so much faith in Valverde and I am quite sure he is the reason we are still seeing the Uruguayan around the Bernabeu walls today.
Valverde was not offered much chances to prove himself due to the presence of elite midfielders in Toni Kroos, Isco Alarcon, Luka Modric and Casemiro. However, the midfielder kept the faith and continued working hard. Last season, we saw glimpses of what Valverde can do when he was offered the opportunity but it was until this season that we got to see the real Valverde.
The two matches Real Madrid have lost this season, against Paris Saint Germain in the Uefa Champions League and against Mallorca in the league was lost without the Uruguayan midfielder. Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane decided to try the Casemiro-Valverde partnership in a match and saw the kind of benefits it yield. Defensive coverage was top notch and energy to carry the ball around was apparently visible and steady. Valverde has never lost any match he has started this season and he has won Real Madrid many points.
Recently, he was celebrated for collecting a red card after he hacked down Alvaro Morata who was destined for the goal in the dying stages of the Real Madrid-Atletico Madrid super cup final. His last ditch tackle was crucial for Real Madrid winning that trophy in penalties. These and other values of Fede Valverde has led the fans to prefer him over Paul Pogba. Considering the fact he is just 21 is enough reason to be more excited. As a Real Madrid fan, I only hope Fede gets better.