Federico Valverde’s role for Real Madrid is under scrutiny as they prepare to face Bayern Munich. The last time Federico Valverde played Bayern Munich, his team came within seconds of elimination from the 2024 UEFA Champions League semifinal.
Valverde’s Recent Form
In his last outing at the Santiago Bernabéu, Valverde received a red card in the Madrid derby, leaving his team with 10 men. He had previously scored and watched Los Blancos beat Atlético Madrid 3-2. However, the last time the Uruguay international played Champions League football at Real Madrid, he produced what could be called the match of his life.
Valverde produced a stunning 22-minute hat trick against Manchester City on March 11. This gave Álvaro Arbeloa’s team a 3-0 win.
Valverde’s domestic suspension meant he wasn’t available for Madrid’s defeat on the island of Mallorca at the weekend. No Valverde, no victory.
Taking on Kroos’s Mantle
Now he’s back, with immense responsibility and the prospect of goals. He has eight goals and 12 assists this season. He now wears the No. 8 on his back.
Last time he faced Bayern, Valverde’s squad number was 15. The change signifies that Toni Kroos has retired. Kroos’ retirement leaves vacant not only his shirt number but huge amounts of brainpower, inspiration, match control and authority.
Valverde has stepped forward, grabbing both the number and the responsibility.
Valverde’s Respect for Kroos
“I spoke to my wife about how I didn’t want to wear that number out of respect, more than anything, for the previous owner, who was Toni,” Valverde said. “Had it been up to me, anyone who achieved so much, and left his mark on the club, deserved to have his number retired, like they do in the NBA — for that number to be revered forever and for Toni to be the last to wear it.
“My wife made a strong case to convince me I had to wear it … that I deserved it. Then when Toni also gave me his blessing, I obviously felt more relaxed about it and told myself that it was ‘my’ moment and that I should enjoy it every day when I go out to train wearing that number on my back. Just to treat every game like it was my last. Obviously, it was tough at the beginning, but it was worth it.”
Kroos won everything in five and a half years with Bayern. Then, he added more seasons, garlands, appearances, goals and trophies with Los Blancos. He concluded his career by winning the 2024 Champions League with a victory over Dortmund in the final.
That final followed their ultra-dramatic added-time defeat of Bayern in the semifinals, which marks the last time the two clubs met. During this rematch…