Zidane reaping the benefits of Valverde

Valverde was a big surprise for the starting XI for the Madrid derby against Atletico at the Wanda Metropolitano and he's on his way to establishing himself in the first team at Camp Nou against Barcelona. He has earned a headline space through physical exhibitions and an explosion of virtues. He is one of those "modern footballers", as Zidane defines him, who have already existed in the past. A kind of Frank Lampard or Steven Gerrard. Figures so characteristic of English football. 'Box to box' experts.

He is a long-distance player who exhibits a great physique. He has a long stride which makes him appear a threat, putting pressure on to show speed in the withdrawal and steal with power. He exhibits cheek to step in the opponent's area and show himself as an option to shoot.. Valverde was the player who was the biggest threat for Granada, he stole up to nine balls from them, and assisted. The shyness has been removed from him and his performances have multiplied.

He passed the ball into a space for Eden Hazard to score the goal and made the robbery that gave way to the goal of Luka Modric. Suddenly he has become an important player for Zidane, modifying his secondary role, leaving players such as Luka Modric and James Rodriguez on the bench.

"He's a modern player, always advancing and with an impressive presence," says Zidane. "Not only in attack, but also in defence. What he does on the pitch is important today. He's doing well and I'm happy for Fede because he's playing for what he deserves", Zidane said.

Valverde leaves the pitch after every game with the aim of giving everything he has. "I try to contribute what I can, what I know, but I still have to keep improving. Zidane asks me to press, I have the physique to do it and whenever I can I will do it. Until my legs burst, I'm going to do it," he says.

That dedication has enamoured the Santiago Bernabeu fans, who are very impressed with what they have seen from him so far.

In his first appearances in the first team he has usually come on as a substitute for Casemiro. And it could be that he starts in Mallorca, after the international break, if Zidane wants to protect the Brazilian after seeing four yellows and being threatened with a sanction for the challenge against Barcelona, but Valverde's real position is the interior. He enjoys greater tactical freedom to run up and down, without being anchored as the midfielder who gives balance to the team and covers his team-mates' spaces with coverings.

Zidane did not receive his desired signing, Paul Pogba, and discarded other names that he was offered from the board. Fede Valverde and his progression was in his mind. A footballer who has conquered him and who has become his personal bet.