It goes without saying that Real Madrid midfielder Federico Valverde is a fundamental part of the team, be it in good times or in bad.

The Uruguayan, who has admittedly struggled for form since the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, is committed to the club to an extent that he dreams of becoming the future captain of Real Madrid, writes Jose Felix Diaz for MARCA.

Valverde, 24, has been self-critical of late, having acknowledged that he has not been at his usual best post the World Cup.

“When you go on the pitch you try to escape, to enjoy yourself. My family supports me, which is what I need, and of course, when you don’t get the results you have to give your best. It generates frustration and anger.

“Against Atlético I was sad because I was substituted. I like to finish games and I like to win. And neither of these two things happened. And the same thing happened in Mallorca. I have to keep learning and improving. You have to be prepared for the bumps,” he said.

Valverde’s persistence has been commendable, to say the very least. This time around, however, things are pretty much different. This time, he looks fatigued due to the World Cup and it evidently shows.

Despite the hardships, though, the player has the full confidence of manager Carlo Ancelotti. The manager understands that if not today, Valverde will return to his usual best and this is why everyone who approached with an offer for the Uruguayan has received no for an answer.

For now, the 10-goal challenge the manager had instilled stands and to achieve the milestone, Ancelotti has spoken with Valverde to reduce the tension and the pressure.

Valverde’s character is something that keeps him on top and this is what his plan is for the future. “I must continue with the attitude prior to the World Cup, talk to those people who help me, and follow the path to end up being captain, which is what I want,” he adds.