Amount Carlo Ancelotti what’s wrong with him best midfielder More than he ever had at Real Madrid. A line that also defines the team’s profile this season. without counting one bellingham There are seven midfielders in the squad, which has the spirit and numbers of a striker (Valverde, Tchouaméni, Camavinga, Kroos, Modric, Ceballos and Güler) and six of them can be said to be double among themselves, which allows Carletto to switch without changing the tactical drawing.
Luka Modric and Toni Kroos remain players with smart footwork and deep game sense. Their age makes it hard to keep them in perfect rhythm together, yet the coach keeps one of them on the field. Aurélien Tchouameni and Eduardo Camavinga bring energy, strength, and grit. They act as the team’s physical spine, with Tchouameni leaning toward a true holding role and Camavinga offering interior versatility, sometimes functioning as a mainstay or even stepping in as a left back. Dani Ceballos and Arda Güler showcase courage and technical excellence, blending youth with skill to form connections with teammates and unlock matches against busier opponents.
Valverde is the most used midfielder
Within this structure, a standout figure emerges who does not rely on a partner for balance. Federico Valverde stands as the central two way instrument who covers defense and contributes to the attack from the midfield. This blend has earned him the manager’s trust. Apart from the rest of the midfielders, Valverde is the most relied upon. He logged 994 minutes in 13 games while starting in the XI. His dual-profile approach helps him recover balls, take shots, and deliver assists. He also produced a notable strike that VAR later ruled out due to an offside call from Bellingham earlier in the sequence.
Tchouameni began with a long adaptation period, earning minutes gradually to settle in. The former Monaco man logged 923 minutes across 13 matches, starting in 11 of them. Camavinga followed closely with 778 minutes in the same span, also starting in 11. The two players watched Ancelotti shape his approach, balancing possession with pressing. Kroos contributed 629 minutes across 12 games, with six starts, while Modric appeared in the starting XI in five of 11 matches. Ceballos has been sidelined by injury, yielding only 73 minutes, and Güler has yet to be fully unleashed.
Carletto does not have a ready-made all rounder to relieve Valverde, which makes the Uruguayan a constant in midfield where he can influence both halves of the pitch. Charrúa players scan the entire area between lines. Valverde began his rise as a second striker for Solari’s Castilla and is seen as a leader who grows into bigger responsibilities. A remark from the coach about Valverde hinted at his expectations for goals this season. The forward responded with a dozen goals and seven assists, and his long-range shot is known for its power. The coach pushed him to contribute further to the attack, reinforcing his role as a goal threat.
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Valverde’s impact and status
Valverde has faced a challenging spell recently, including Uruguay’s exit from the World Cup group stage. A tough patch included a confrontation with Villarreal’s Álex Baena in April and a run of niggling injuries that affected his rhythm. Personal life also saw a moment of pressure before a family addition, with the birth of his son Bautista in late June. The player has shown resilience, continuing to contribute as a leader on the field and a model for steadiness off it.
Valverde and his family share a close bond, and the 25 year old has served as Uruguay’s captain in South American qualifiers. The coach continues to place faith in him as the cornerstone of Madrid’s midfield. The expectations around his leadership and consistency remain high as the season progresses.
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Valverde’s market value and ongoing status
Valverde is valued around 100 million euros, a figure that has attracted interest from major leagues. Madrid has not shown a readiness to part with him, and Valverde himself has spoken about a dream of wearing the Real Madrid armband. He first wore it during the 2022 preseason friendly against América de México in the United States. The upcoming classic in Montjuïc could shape the balance he brings. His record against Barcelona includes seven wins, one draw, and seven losses. Xavi will need to plan carefully since Valverde has personal highlights against Barça, including goals in league play and in the Super Cup on Barça soil.