As the new era under Xabi Alonso begins at Real Madrid, one player has already caught the eye of the former midfield maestro: Federico Valverde. The Uruguayan midfielder has wasted no time in proving his value, leadership, and dedication at Valdebebas—the club’s training complex—during the early stages of pre-season.
According to reports from Defensa Central, Alonso, who has overseen just a handful of training sessions since taking over as head coach, has been deeply impressed by Valverde’s attitude and performance. While many senior players are still on international duty or enjoying extended breaks, Valverde was one of the first core squad members to return—signaling his unwavering commitment to the club.
A Natural Leader Without the Armband
Despite not officially wearing the captain’s armband, Federico Valverde radiates leadership. In a private discussion with his coaching staff, Xabi Alonso reportedly stated:
“You can already tell he sees himself as a captain here. He carries himself that way, and it’s fantastic to see.”
That kind of praise, especially coming from a former Real Madrid and Spain captain, carries real weight. Valverde’s maturity, discipline, and presence on and off the pitch are already leaving a lasting impression on Alonso’s staff.
At just 26 years of age, Valverde has grown into one of Real Madrid’s most trusted and consistent midfielders. His performances have shown grit, consistency, and composure. More importantly, he has earned the respect of teammates, coaches, and fans alike, becoming an anchor during the club’s ongoing transition.
Unshakable Loyalty Amid Transfer Rumors
In an era where loyalty is often questioned, Valverde stands out as a beacon of commitment. Despite persistent transfer speculation and interest from top European clubs, he has shown no desire to leave the Spanish capital.
Valverde and his family have found comfort and stability in Madrid. Unlike many stars who are tempted by lucrative offers, the Uruguayan midfielder remains deeply rooted in the white half of the city. He isn’t just a regular starter—he is a symbol of Madrid’s identity and evolution.
His reported salary of €9 million per season (approximately 158 billion IDR) is undoubtedly substantial, but Valverde’s dedication goes beyond financial rewards. His loyalty sends a clear message to fans and young players: playing for Real Madrid is a privilege, not just a profession.
Returning to His Natural Role in Midfield
Last season, injuries and tactical necessities saw Valverde occasionally deployed out of position—often filling in as a right-back. Though he performed admirably and never complained, those were far from his ideal conditions.
Xabi Alonso is expected to restore Valverde to his natural position as a box-to-box midfielder, a role that suits his strengths perfectly. His dynamism, vision, stamina, and intelligence make him a natural fit for Alonso’s expected high-intensity, possession-based system.
With Alonso’s tactical acumen and a midfield reshaped to play to his strengths, Valverde is poised for a breakout season in his true habitat. Fans can look forward to watching him dominate midfield battles, contribute in both defense and attack, and act as a driving force in Real Madrid’s pursuit of glory both domestically and in Europe.
The Heartbeat of Real Madrid’s New Era
As Xabi Alonso begins to instill his philosophy and build the next great Madrid team, Federico Valverde is emerging as one of the key pillars of that vision. His combination of talent, work ethic, humility, and passion make him the perfect embodiment of what Real Madrid stands for.
In Valverde, Madrid have not just a world-class midfielder, but a future captain in spirit—if not already in title.
With a full season ahead in his favored role, under a coach who appreciates his qualities, and with the full backing of the fans, Valverde could very well be Real Madrid’s most vital player in the 2025/26 campaign.
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