Valverde justifies himself at the premiere of the new Real Madrid

Real Madrid debuted with a win and came back from AC Milan in the first game of the 2023 pre-season. Ancelotti’s team debuted the system (4-4-2 in diamonds) with three of the five starting signings: Bellingham, Brahim and Joselu. However, the main protagonist of the game was Fede Valverde.

Arriving in this pre-season, the Uruguayan wants to make it clear that all those who would have marketed (or would market) him to financially offset Bellingham’s arrival and, we’ll see, whether Mbappé’s, they are wrong.

Fede already made it clear last season that he is a fundamental footballer at Real Madrid. The player who showed up at the key moment in 2021-2022 to tie a team that went on to win the 14th. His start to the season last season was a disgrace, scoring eight goals until the World Cup break and increasing the market value from 60 to 100 million in just three months.

The time in Qatar and a complicated personal situation made it difficult for him to return last January, but little by little he regained his strength and finally had a very good second part of the season. Not at the great level of the first part, but making great games on important stages like Anfield or Stamford Bridge.

Despite all this, many do not seem to realize the importance of the Uruguayan in the team and for this reason have passed up the possibility of a march this summer. Yes, it is clear that Valverde has a large market and there are Premier League teams that could pay a significant sum for his signing, but neither the player nor the club have considered that option at any point. What’s more, as GOAL has learned, Real Madrid have made it clear to Valverde that they are very happy with him and that it is his idea to start talks about an extension in these early months of the season.. It’s also beyond dispute for Ancelotti, something we could see on Monday as he was the only outfield player to play 90 minutes.

Bellingham and Mendy, the positive and negative notes of the debut

All eyes were on Jude Bellingham and his first game for the stretchy Real Madrid player and he did not disappoint. The English made a great first half, evidence of quality and ability to associate and generate play near the area. He was the best of the white team in that first half and then, although he was the only one left after the break, together with Valverde and Lunin, hardly had a leading role in the second half.

We must also mention the good “debut” of Brahmim Diaz on his return to Real Madrid, when he left several details about his quality in the first half. The same as Rodrygo goes, one of Real Madrid’s best in a very dominant second half. The Brazilian maintains the same level he finished last season and it seems the new system suits him very well.

For its part, it is necessary to highlight in the negative part the defensive fragility seen in the team, especially in the first half. Lucas Vázquez, Militao and Nacho were not of the good level and above all Ferland Mendy was truly awful. The Frenchman, who plays the left-back position with Fran García this year, will have to wake up if he doesn’t want the Spaniard to take ownership with authority.