Real Madrid is poised to face Liverpool in a highly anticipated Champions League clash at Anfield on Wednesday. Despite a slew of injuries to key players, manager Carlo Ancelotti is determined to field a strong lineup. One player who is expected to play a crucial role is Uruguayan midfielder Fede Valverde.
Valverde is likely to reprise his role as a right-back, a position he filled with aplomb in Real Madrid's recent victory over Leganés. His versatility and tireless work ethic have made him a valuable asset to the team, capable of excelling in multiple positions.
Following the impressive performance against Leganés, Ancelotti praised Valverde's abilities, stating, "Valverde is a fantastic full-back. He's one of the best in the world after Carvajal and Lucas Vázquez. He can play in multiple positions, but the challenge is figuring out where he excels most."
Spanish commentator Edu Aguirre further emphasized Valverde's exceptional performance, revealing that the Uruguayan covered over a kilometer at an astonishing speed of 24 km/h during the Leganés game. This remarkable statistic reportedly left Ancelotti, his son and assistant coach David Ancelotti, and fitness coach Antonio Pintus in awe, highlighting Valverde's exceptional physical condition.
Valverde's impressive form and versatility have earned him a place in Real Madrid's starting lineup for the crucial match against Liverpool. His ability to contribute both defensively and offensively will be vital as Real Madrid aims to secure a positive result at Anfield.
As the match draws near, fans and pundits alike are eagerly anticipating Valverde's performance. His energy, work rate, and tactical intelligence make him a key player for Real Madrid, and his contributions could be decisive in determining the outcome of this high-stakes encounter.