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/Ayanokoji575]

Xabi hasn't given me anything not to trust him, I'll just trust the process for now