Valverde will have fewer minutes on the pitch at Real Madrid
Real Madrid is preparing a new approach for the 2025/26 season: managing the minutes of Federico Valverde, who was the most-used player in all of European football last year. Coach Xabi Alonso has made the Uruguayan’s workload one of his main priorities.
Valverde led Europe in minutes played
In the 2022/23 season, Valverde played 6,392 minutes in 65 matches for Real Madrid, in addition to appearances for the Uruguay national team, where he is an undisputed leader. The midfielder logged nearly 1,000 more minutes than Kylian Mbappé, the second-most active player in Europe.
Alongside teammates Jude Bellingham, Tchouaméni, Courtois, Rüdiger, and Vinícius Júnior, Valverde stood out not only for his consistency but also for his intensity a characteristic that often pushed him to the limit.
Alonso introduces strategic rotations
Now under Xabi Alonso, Real Madrid intends to avoid such an overload. The plan is to use scheduled rotations to give Valverde more rest throughout the season while still keeping him as a central figure in the lineup.
The idea is not to reduce his importance but to ensure he remains fresh for decisive moments in La Liga and the Champions League. His physical durability has been remarkable so far, but the club wants to prevent potential burnout.
Valverde’s growing leadership role
Beyond his performances, Valverde has also grown into a leadership role at Real Madrid. For the new season, he has been named the second team captain, behind Dani Carvajal, cementing his influence in the dressing room and on the pitch.
The relationship between Alonso and Valverde is described as one of mutual trust and respect. The coach values the midfielder’s competitiveness and discipline, while Valverde sees Alonso as a mentor who can maximize his potential.
Crucial for Madrid’s season
Managing Valverde’s minutes is seen as essential for the team’s overall success. With Alonso’s tactical vision and Valverde’s leadership, Real Madrid hopes to achieve consistency across all competitions while protecting one of their most indispensable players.
