Spain’s top teams travel to Saudi Arabia for the Supercopa. It’s a special place for Fede Valverde, even if his role at Real Madrid has changed
When the Spanish league outsources its Super Cup to Saudi Arabia, admittedly for financial reasons, quite a few fans fear the loss of the soul and emotion of soccer. For Fede Valverde, at least, the Supercopa will always be a special event at this particular venue.
Because almost exactly four years ago, in January 2020, the Uruguayan midfielder celebrated his first title in a Real shirt in the final against city rivals Atletico, which he decisively shaped with an emergency stop against Alvaro Morata in the 115th minute.
“I remember it well, it was very special for me,” said the 25-year-old at the press conference ahead of the first of three city duels in the coming weeks. This time it is already the Supercopa semi-final – FC Barcelona could be waiting in the final, who will face cup finalists Osasuna in the preliminary round.
From the wing to the six
Valverde is looking forward to the “Derbi” weeks because he enjoys “competing with the best”. Which includes Atletico, who are a little behind in the league. The dynamic driving force will in all likelihood be involved three times – albeit less as a dynamic driving force. At least not in the way the powerful right-footer did last season.
His role has changed in the meantime because Real’s basic formation has also changed. Instead of playing as the more attacking of the two eights or even as a right winger in disguise, Valverde was called upon – and deployed – in a 4-2-2-2 on the double-six, especially during the injuries to defensive midfielders Aurelien Tchouameni and Eduardo Camavinga.
“I now have several chances to play from the start because I can be deployed in a number of positions,” said Valverde, who doesn’t just like his current role because it gives him more playing time. “I’ve played in the six all my life, that’s how I feel happiest,” assures a man who, however, finishes much less often in central midfield than he did a year ago. In 26 competitive matches so far in 2023/24, he has scored just one goal – compared to twelve in 56 appearances in 2022/23.
