By Mourinho's orders: Valverde dons the coaching mantle at Real Madrid
An exceptional captain
Fede Valverde has become an extension of manager Jose Mourinho on the pitch, after the Uruguayan emerged as the link the Portuguese boss relies upon to make tactical adjustments during the first two rounds of the league.
According to Spanish newspaper "AS", Valverde was the target of Mourinho's instructions whenever the manager wanted to tweak the team's shape across the two matches. In both, he moved close to the substitutes' bench to take his manager's orders and pass them on to his team-mates.
Deployed in a deeper position, the Uruguayan has taken control of everything, from defence and attack to leadership. With an assist in each of the two matches, Valverde has become the pillar upon which the balance of a team boasting a dream attacking line can be built.
Mourinho was crystal clear in the press conference before the second league match against Real Sociedad. "I don't want Fede to play on the wing or in the full-back position, I want him as a midfielder," he said.
That is exactly what happened. The player wearing Real Madrid's number 8 shirt became an essential pillar in building play from the back, and, amid Tchouameni's injury, he also took on the task of securing the team defensively.
Partnering Bernardo Silva in midfield, the pairing looks like a choice capable of giving the play more fluidity and containing opponents' attacks.
Mourinho's extension
The first two matches made clear that Mourinho's orders and tactical adjustments have a specific recipient. In both, after Espi's goal and Mbappe's second goal, Mourinho summoned Valverde to receive his instructions and relay them.
For a manager who intervenes so much during matches, having this role is essential. The Portuguese chose his captain to carry out the task, wanting him to shoulder the responsibilities of leadership, responsibilities the fans criticised last year.
This new task, on and off the pitch, appears to have left a significant mark on the player. Valverde turned out in both matches with a greater leadership presence, defensive focus in his role as the team's pivot, and the energy he has always been known for.
Mourinho has always been renowned for his ability to bring out the best version of midfielders, and in the Uruguayan he has an ideal player for his style of play.
His ability to play in all midfield positions allows him to partner Bernardo and carry out the primary defensive role, or to line up alongside Tchouameni or Camavinga and gain greater freedom to move back and forth.
The numbers vindicate him
Valverde earned an average rating of 8 from the Flashscore platform in his first two matches, and recorded a passing success rate of 93% and 97% across the two league games.
Against Espanyol he won four one-on-one duels and completed three tackles, while one of his shots from outside the penalty area struck the post.
Real Sociedad brought out his most versatile version. Valverde provided an assist, delivered two key passes, took a shot on target, won three one-on-one duels, and achieved a 100% success rate in tackles.
Valverde offers a little of everything, as he has done since arriving at Madrid. One of the fans' favourite players thanks to his dedication in every match, the Uruguayan embodies passion in all its details.
Now, after Carvajal's departure, Valverde has inherited the captain's armband. He must prove that he learned from the great leaders who shared the dressing room with him, and lead the new generation towards success. That is a task the manager has worked on since his arrival, because having Valverde as an important player has always brought Real Madrid closer to winning the biggest titles.
Mourinho chose Valverde to be his extension on the pitch. In the first two league matches, the Uruguayan moved close to the substitutes' bench after Real Madrid's goals to receive the manager's instructions. The Portuguese is seeking to strengthen his captain's leadership role.
