Real Madrid coach has chosen versatile captain to be his ‘extension’ on the pitch

Before the season, there were question marks over Federico Valverde and whether or not he is fit to lead the team heading into the new campaign.

Valverde was at the centre of controversy last season after a brawl with Aurelien Tchouameni. He also played a key role in leading revolts against Xabi Alonso and Marcelo Bielsa in the Uruguay team.

Real Madrid made him one of the captains nonetheless, and the decision seems to be working quite well, as the player has found himself a real niche under new coach Jose Mourinho.

Valverde’s partnership with Mourinho has been encouraging. (Photo by Jose Manuel Alvarez Rey/Getty Images)

As reported by Diario AS, Valverde has effectively become Mourinho’s extension on the pitch during Real Madrid’s opening two league games.

In both matches, whenever the Portuguese wanted to make a tactical adjustment, it was Valverde who approached the bench to receive the instructions before relaying them to his teammates.

After Carlos Espi’s winner against Espanyol and Kylian Mbappe’s second against Real Sociedad, it was the Uruguayan whom Mourinho turned to.

Mourinho made his intentions clear before the Real Sociedad game, stating he wanted Valverde operating as a midfielder rather than out wide, and the captain has thrived in that more central role.

Valverde has taken charge of securing the team defensively, forming a promising partnership alongside Bernardo Silva that offers both control and balance.

Mourinho is starting to get the best out of Valverde. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

Valverde’s performances have been reflected in his statistics, with the Uruguayan earning an average rating of 8 on Flashscore across the two games.

He registered pass accuracy of 93% and 97% respectively, while against Espanyol he won four duels and struck the post from outside the box.

His display against Real Sociedad was even more complete, featuring an assist, two key passes, a shot on target, three duels won and a 100% success rate in his take-ons.

Having inherited the armband following Dani Carvajal’s departure, Valverde now carries the added weight of leadership.

But on this early evidence, both on and off the pitch, he looks perfectly suited to the role Mourinho has entrusted him with.