Over the years, Real Madrid have made some sensational signings in the midfield. These players are usually the standout performers in their countries and the Los Blancos sign them at a young age. One such player who has given decent performances at the top level is Federico Valverde. He is a fan favourite at the Bernabeu and a regular player in Ancelotti’s starting 11 this season.
Federico Valverde was on fire last season. He was scoring goals and carrying his team in tough situations. However, things have been a little different this season. Valverde is not among the goals since Bellingham’s arrival and has a change in role. Jude Bellingham’s arrival has allowed the Uruguayan to stick to his position and play a different role. Let’s look at some of the stats that show how Valverde’s role has changed at Real Madrid.
Change in role
There has been a change in tactics made by Carlo Ancelotti. The first visual above shows Valverde’s position of play in the 2022-23 season and the second one shows from the current season. Valverde has featured more as an attacking midfielder last season and in the heart of the midfield. In the current season, the Uruguayan has played a deeper role and remained in the centre of the midfield. He has not taken advanced positions like he did in the last season.
Federico Valverde is a box-to-box midfielder and never misses an opportunity to get into attacking zones. The midfielder is playing a deeper role. This has allowed him to make more progressive runs than last season. Valverde is confident on the ball and averages 3.5 progressive runs in the current season. This is a significant improvement from last season, where he averaged 2.3 progressive runs. The dribble success rate is also good at 66% combined in both seasons.
A slight dip in goal-scoring form
After scoring nine goals in the last campaign, Valverde has only netted one goal this season. This is a major dip in Valverde’s game. The average number of shots per 90 minutes is similar but there is a decrease in the accuracy rate. It has dipped from 34% to 24%. Last season, Valverde progressed down the right side and this time he is everywhere around the penalty box to take a shot.
There is also a drop in the creativity rate of the player. Last season around 1.18 shot assists were made per 90 minutes and this year the average is just under one. Valverde provided his third assist of the season against Girona. There is no specific attacking area for the Uruguayan. He is all over the pitch in the final third.
Federico Valverde has experienced a change in role. He is playing a bit deep and carrying the ball in the attacking zones. Real Madrid are getting the results and Ancelotti will be happy with the results his team is getting despite injury issues.
Visuals via TFA data viz engine
