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Decoding Fede Valverde: The perfect modern midfielder

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The burden of a Real Madrid shirt can be heavy.

We have seen players like Antonio Cassano, Javier Saviola, and, more recently, Eden Hazard struggling to cope with the astronomical expectations that come with the glorious white of Los Blancos.

But that has not been the case for Federico Valverde.

He arrived as a young player, honed his craft, and established himself as a first-XI essential.

The 24-year-old developed his profile to meet the flagship standards one would need to control the midfield for Real Madrid.

Valverde is a box-to-box midfielder by trade, but if you closely study his heat map, you will see he pops up in all areas on the pitch.

You will find him dropping deep to nullify an opposition attack; he will roam the left flank only to immediately switch to the right a few minutes later. Sometimes, you will mistake him for a striker. Valverde is omnipresent!

But you will be surprised to hear that Valverde was not much keen on running and having a fluid presence on the pitch during his formative years.

Valverde is an Atlético Peñarol academy graduate. He joined the academy of the Uruguayan giants as a 10-year-old.

As you can imagine, Peñarol scouts were impressed to see his attributes and identified him as a potential future star.

But their judgement was put in question when Valverde failed to impress in the first few years at the academy.

Valverde failed to make a mark initially because of his lean physique and unwillingness to press.

Valverde wanted to be a traditional 10, who sits behind the striker and feeds him with nifty passes inside the box.

But it was a dying art in football. In recent years, we have seen the rapid decline of classic playmakers like Mesut Özil and James Rodríguez.

Modern football has moved past the textbook number ten role.

Valverde realised this and decided to take on a more versatile approach.

He added more body mass and became a more dynamic player.

Valverde turned over a new leaf and became a relentless presser. At the age of 18, he was rewarded for his effort with a place in the Atlético Peñarol senior side.

But Real Madrid had already gotten wind of the player, and they came knocking on Peñarol’s door for Valverde.

After joining Madrid, Valverde would play in the reserves and go out on a loan spell at Deportivo de La Coruña.

He made it to the Real Madrid senior team in 2018, and since then, he has been a staple in the first team. Under Carlo Ancelotti, Valverde added new dimensions to his game, which helped him become a complete midfield package.

Valverde is an elite progressor of the ball.

Over the last 365 days, he has ranked in the 98th percentile for progressive carries. He clocks 7.92 progressive carries per 90, which puts him in the premium bracket among midfielders.

Valverde’s pressing, positioning, and work rate are his strongest qualities.

This season, he has been showing signs of overcoming one of his biggest weaknesses. Before the World Cup break, Valverde scored six times for Real Madrid. His tally includes goals against Atlético Madrid and Barcelona.

Carlo Ancelotti has been using Valverde like a Swiss army knife.

The youngster has been asked to play as a wide attacker and in several midfield positions.

He is a player who has a lot to offer to Real Madrid and he has a long future at the club.

Hopefully, this is just the beginning of Federico Valverde’s illustrious Real Madrid legacy.

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FC Goa

FC Goa Triumphs Over Mohun Bagan with a 2-1 Victory

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FC Goa defeats Mohun Bagan

FC Goa defeats Mohun Bagan! FC Goa secured a memorable 2-1 victory against Mohun Bagan Super Giant in the Indian Super League at Fatorda Stadium. This high-stakes encounter ended Mohun Bagan’s unbeaten streak, marking a significant moment in the league.

Brison Fernandes opened the scoring for FC Goa in the 13th minute, assisted by Borja Herrera. His shot deflected off Mohun Bagan’s Tom Aldred, giving Goa an early lead. Despite pressing attacks, Mohun Bagan failed to capitalize on opportunities during the first half, keeping FC Goa ahead.

The second half saw Mohun Bagan equalize through Dimitrios Petratos’ penalty, awarded after a handball by Armando. With the match level, momentum shifted briefly in favor of Mohun Bagan. However, FC Goa struck again in the 68th minute as Brison Fernandes headed in Herrera’s precise cross, sealing the lead and eventual victory for the home side. FC Goa defeats Mohun Bagan!

FC Goa’s defense stood firm during the closing stages, with Sandesh Jhingan and Odei Onaindia effectively countering Mohun Bagan’s attempts to find another equalizer. This win elevated FC Goa to third place in the league standings with 22 points from 12 matches, showcasing their strong form this season.

The match underscored FC Goa’s resilience and tactical discipline, while Mohun Bagan will aim to bounce back from this setback. Fans were treated to an exciting contest, reflecting the competitive spirit of the league.

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FC Goa

FC Goa Host League Leaders Mohun Bagan Super Giant in ISL Clash

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FC Goa Host League Leaders Mohun Bagan Super Giant in ISL Clash

FC Goa vs Mohun Bagan Super Giant! The Indian Super League (ISL) promises an intense showdown as FC Goa faces league leaders Mohun Bagan Super Giant this Friday at Fatorda. With playoff positions at stake, both teams are set for a thrilling encounter.

FC Goa aims to break into the top three with a win, continuing their unbeaten six-match streak. Striker Armando Sadiku leads the Goa attack with eight goals in ten matches, while midfielders Iker Guarrotxena and Dejan Drazic add creativity. Young goalkeeper Hrithik Tiwari’s three clean sheets in five matches provide defensive assurance. FC Goa vs Mohun Bagan Super Giant!

Mohun Bagan, atop the league with 26 points, has relied on Jamie Maclaren’s scoring consistency and Greg Stewart’s midfield mastery. Although Stewart will miss the match due to injury, the Mariners boast six clean sheets this season, anchored by goalkeeper Vishal Kaith.

Both teams have impressive records, with Goa scoring 21 goals and Mohun Bagan conceding only 10 this season. The match could define playoff aspirations as Mohun Bagan aims to solidify their position, and Goa seeks to climb the rankings. Fans anticipate a tightly contested game between two strong sides showcasing Indian football’s growing quality.

The match is critical for both teams’ playoff aspirations. FC Goa looks to capitalize on their home advantage and attacking prowess, while Mohun Bagan seeks to extend their dominance at the top of the league. With FC Goa scoring 21 goals and Mohun Bagan conceding only 10 this season, the battle promises to be a showcase of quality football.

Fans are eagerly anticipating this high-stakes clash, which could significantly impact the league’s playoff picture. Both teams have shown resilience and skill, ensuring a thrilling contest.

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FC Goa

Mohun Bagan SG and FC Goa Face Off in ISL 2024-25 Thriller

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Mohun Bagan SG faces FC Goa in a thrilling ISL 2024-25 encounter, promising intense action and crucial league implications.

The Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 features a highly anticipated clash between Mohun Bagan Super Giant and FC Goa at Fatorda’s Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Friday. Both teams come into this encounter in solid form, aiming to strengthen their campaigns at a crucial juncture in the season.

Mohun Bagan leads the standings with an unbeaten streak, registering seven wins and a draw in ISL 2024-25. Their defensive strength is evident, having kept six clean sheets. FC Goa, sitting fourth on the table, boasts a dynamic attacking style, with nine different players contributing goals this season.

This battle between Mohun Bagan’s resolute defense and Goa’s attacking versatility promises to be a high-stakes showdown. Goa seeks to overcome the league leaders and secure vital points to narrow the gap. Meanwhile, Mohun Bagan looks to extend its dominance and consolidate its position at the top.

Key players to watch include Mohun Bagan’s defensive stalwarts and Goa’s offensive playmakers. Both sides have demonstrated their capability to adapt to challenging situations, setting the stage for a thrilling contest. With the mid-season point approaching, the match carries significant implications for both teams’ playoff aspirations.

Fans can expect an intense, action-packed game as two of the ISL’s top teams vie for supremacy. Mohun Bagan’s strategic discipline will be tested against Goa’s creative and relentless attacks. This matchup is a must-watch for football enthusiasts, showcasing the best of Indian football talent.

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