According to reports, the Uruguayan player, who has 9 goals and 8 assists this season, is on the verge of his best career performance. Once again, he proved why he is one of Carlo Ancelotti’s key players. Valverde shone both as a full-back and as a midfielder, deciding the fate of the match.

When hopes were fading due to Vinicius’ disallowed goal and an uncalled penalty on Bellingham, Valverde opened the scoring with a stunning long-range volley. This technically brilliant shot not only turned the game in Real’s favor but also revived the team’s morale. He attempted the most shots (7) and had 3 on target.

Valverde said after the match: “I didn’t think much, I just shot. I felt confident, and my teammates encouraged me to take the shot.” This goal was the result of his relentless training, where, according to Thibaut Courtois, Valverde often surprises goalkeepers with his powerful and unpredictable shots.

Valverde’s performance wasn’t limited to the goal. He played 84 minutes as a full-back but was also influential in attack. With 25 passes in the attacking third (alongside Modric), 93% pass accuracy (66 successful passes), 3 crosses, 3 clearances, winning all 3 aerial duels, and 5 interceptions (second only to Tchouaméni), he was the all-rounder on the pitch. Ancelotti called him the key to the game—a player decisive in both defense and attack.

Valverde, with 51 appearances and 4,282 minutes played, is Real Madrid’s most utilized player this season. In the 2021-22 season, he impressed with 12 goals and 7 assists. Now, with 17 goal contributions (9 goals and 8 assists), he is close to matching that record. With at least 10 games remaining (6 in La Liga, Copa del Rey final, and 3 in the Club World Cup), he has the opportunity to make this his best season yet.

In the Copa del Rey final against Barcelona, Valverde’s place in the starting lineup is certain. Ancelotti prefers to use him as a full-back, a role where he excels defensively while also contributing offensively. His performance against Athletic showed that this tactic, alongside Camavinga as a defensive midfielder, works. Valverde, like Superman, is everywhere, ready to lead Real Madrid to success once again.