Uruguay manager praises Real Madrid captain’s versatility: ‘A different player than the others’ | OneFootball

Federico Valverde has been one of Real Madrid’s most important and consistent players this season and has led the midfield by example.

While it is true that the men in white have lacked control through the middle, he has been one of the immovable cogs in the department who provides some defensive stability and moments of brilliance, which the team depends on.

What makes him more handy to the manager, however, is the fact that he can play multiple positions based on the team’s needs, and he has played as a full-back, midfielder and a winger for the club in recent times.

NT manager praises Valverde

Uruguay NT manager Marcelo Bielsa opened up on the Real Madrid captain in a recent interview, where he explained in detail what made him different from other midfielders.

“Fede Valverde is a different player than the others in his position.

“He plays through the middle of the pitch, while moving just as comfortably from the middle to the right as from the middle to the left,” he began, highlighting Valverde’s versatility.

He then explained how it was phenomenal that the Real Madrid star could play as a defensive midfielder on need while also being comfortable in the interior and attacking midfield.

“In midfield, he can play in a deep-lying role, ahead of the DM, he can also play close to an attacking midfielder, and he operates effectively across all three zones of the pitch.

Bielsa has praised Federico Valverde. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

“Then, recently, he also played as a fullback,” he added.

If the list of positions where Valverde can play was not exhaustive enough, Bielsa then highlighted the player’s ability to play as a winger, which was utilised by Alvaro Arbeloa in some recent games as well.

“What most recently caught everyone’s attention was his performance as a winger.

“He’s created decisive plays, normally on the right, but lately we’ve also seen him make runs down the left and provide assists from there.”

Finally, he compared the player to the likes of Pedri and Vitinha and concluded that Valverde is one of the best players in the world.

“This is what makes him different to someone like Pedri or Vitinha. Neither Pedri nor Vitinha have this versatility.

“Fede is undoubtedly one of the best players in the world,” he concluded.

Source: AUF Instagram