'Superman' Valverde

From August 1st, 2024 to the present, the Uruguayan midfielder has played 77 matches, totaling 6,573 minutes – more than any other player in La Liga. This figure not only demonstrates his exceptional physical fitness but also highlights his central role at both Real Madrid and the Uruguayan national team.

An inexhaustible source of energy.

At 27 years old, Valverde has hardly ever rested. In the past 400 days, he has only missed 7 matches for both club and national team. On average, fans see Valverde on the pitch every 5.5 days. In La Liga this season, he has played a full 270 minutes; with Uruguay, an additional 180 minutes. In total, Valverde, along with Courtois and Huijsen, are the three players who haven't missed a single minute.

The image of Valverde with his tongue sticking out from exhaustion after each match has almost become iconic. He always gives his all, without compromise, and is the undisputed choice under Ancelotti, Xabi Alonso, or Marcelo Bielsa.

If Real Madrid need a central midfielder, Valverde is there. If they need a right-back, he can still fill that role. Last season alone, the Montevideo-born player played in six different positions, from center, wing, to a defensive midfield role. It's no coincidence that Ancelotti once exclaimed: "He's the best midfielder, the best defender, I don't know anymore…".

Valverde is not only durable, but also effective.

Valverde is not only durable but also effective. Last season, he scored 11 goals and provided 8 assists, directly contributing to 19 goals. With his long-range shooting, ball control, and distribution skills, he brings a rare balance – helping the team control the game while also creating breakthroughs when needed.

Confidence from every coach

Xabi Alonso, who once compared him to the legendary Steven Gerrard, commented: “I rarely see a player like him. He runs tirelessly, shoots well, plays anywhere… Every manager would want a Fede in their team.”

That praise is not an exaggeration. Valverde proved his worth at the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 with a goal against Pachuca, and in La Liga he also made his mark with an assist for Vinicius against Mallorca. Although his defensive statistics have slightly declined compared to last season, he remains an indispensable player in Xabi's system.

The big question now is: will Valverde be given a rest? Before this weekend's match against Real Sociedad, he was one of only two South American players (along with Mastantuono) who had just returned to Madrid after international matches, with virtually no time for training. Even so, given his habit of "always playing," it's hard to imagine Real Madrid playing without him.

Federico Valverde is not only an outstanding player, but also an icon of fighting spirit and perseverance. In an era of football where rotation and rest are essential, "El Halcón" continues to fly tirelessly, becoming an indispensable part of Real Madrid and Uruguay's journey to conquest.