The Uruguayan striker found the back of the net twice and started the third match of the pre-season on the field, signaling his continued importance to the squad.
Real Madrid opened the 2023 pre-season with a comeback win over AC Milan, a performance that introduced a new on-field shape. Carlo Ancelotti’s side lined up in a 4-4-2 diamond system, introducing three of the five new signings in the starting XI: Jude Bellingham, Brahim Diaz, and Joselu. Yet the most influential figure in the match was Fede Valverde, whose pre-season form already asserted his role as a cornerstone for the team.
Valverde arrived in this training window intent on proving the doubters wrong and showing that comments about him being a potential financial means to balance big purchases like Bellingham or Mbappé would miss the mark. He has long established himself as a key piece for Real Madrid, reminding observers of his crucial contributions in pivotal moments. The forward step in 2021-2022, which helped anchor a title-winning campaign, remains a marker of his value. His start to the previous season featured a prolific run, with eight goals before the World Cup break and a market value surge from 60 to 100 million in a short span.
Time in Qatar and a personal challenge briefly interrupted his rhythm, but Valverde recovered steadily and delivered strong performances in the second half of the season, including memorable displays at Anfield and Stamford Bridge. Despite his sustained importance, some voices still underestimate his impact and overlook his potential value in a transfer market set aflame by big-name targets. Real Madrid, however, have made it clear they are satisfied with Valverde and that any discussions about an extension are welcome in the early stages of the season, a stance reinforced by Ancelotti’s decision to field him for the full 90 minutes in the opening game.
Bellingham and Mendy: positives and concerns from the debut
The spotlight rested on Jude Bellingham as he stepped into his first Real Madrid appearance in the new era. The Englishman delivered in the first half, showcasing his quality, linking play around the box, and demonstrating the capacity to create chances and influence the buildup. He stood out as the brightest performer for the white team in the opening period and, after the break, remained a key presence alongside Valverde and a defensively vigilant goalkeeper, though the second half offered less of a defining role for him and his teammates.
Brahim Diaz also made an encouraging return to Real Madrid, weaving through opposing lines and flashing moments of individual brilliance in the first half. Rodrygo followed suit, maintaining the high level that characterized his late-season form and suggesting the new tactical setup suits his game well. The Brazilian winger appeared comfortable as the system demanded more off-ball movement and dynamic staggering in attack, allowing him to exploit spaces more effectively as the match progressed.
On the downside, the defensive structure showed vulnerabilities in the opening period. Lucas Vázquez, Militao, and Nacho did not reach peak performance, and Ferland Mendy, in particular, struggled to find his rhythm. The French full-back, sharing the left flank with Fran García this campaign, will need to elevate his level if he hopes to secure a starting role and prevent Garcia from claiming more responsibility on that side.