Fede Valverde’s role

[u/ColdAd3682]

I posted this about a week ago and I’m bringing it up again because I still can’t fully understand what role Fede Valverde is being given under Xabi Alonso this season. In the opening La Liga game, he was almost completely nullified — hardly on the ball, with most of Madrid’s progression funneled through other channels. In the second match, his involvement improved and he saw more of the ball, but even then his role wasn’t very clear. Against Celta in the third game, we again saw flashes of his usual energy with some key interceptions and vertical runs, yet he still didn’t look like the Valverde we’re used to — the one constantly influencing transitions, breaking lines, and being decisive in the final third.

From what I’ve observed, he’s often positioned higher up the pitch compared to last season, almost acting as a wide right interior who balances the structure rather than dictating play. Personally, I think his best position would be deeper, in a double pivot alongside Tchouaméni, where he can combine his work rate with ball recovery and still drive forward when space opens up. Right now, though, it feels like he’s being used more as a stabilizer, tasked with pressing, covering spaces, and making late runs rather than orchestrating the game.

My concern is whether he will remain a guaranteed starter once Jude Bellingham and Camavinga are fully back, given how central those two are to Madrid’s plans. Valverde has always been a fan-favorite because of his versatility and intensity, but I’m worried he’s being sacrificed tactically. As a huge Valverde fan, I just want to know what might truly be the best role for him, and whether he’ll continue to be central to Madrid’s project going forward.

Note: used chatgpt so it would be easy to write 300 words.

[u/TakeshiRyze]

Maybe when Jude returns we can play trio of Fede, Arda and Jude in the midfield. I honestly don't understand why we need Tchouaméni vs weak opponents.

[u/Extension_Phone893 → u/TakeshiRyze]

Because he was a beast in all the last three games and I swear for the last 20 years we've always been worse without a cdm, also Jude and Arda share the same role and most likely won't work well together, however Arda is going to give Jude a run for the money this season, gonna be a good healthy competition.

[u/PlantComprehensive77 → u/Extension_Phone893]

The system when Jude returns is simple. It'll be a midfield diamond of Arda and Jude as the two 10s and Fede and Tchouameni. There'll be a lot of movement and rotation on the pitch.

[u/TakeshiRyze → u/PlantComprehensive77]

Movement and rotation in the same sentence as Tchouameni. Funny guy.

[u/TakeshiRyze → u/Extension_Phone893]

And Fede can not play that CDM role? 2 non creative midfielders is just unplayable at serious level.