According to Marca, Real Madrid captain Valverde faces competition for a midfield spot this season, having grown from joining in 2016 to his current core position.
The Real Madrid captain's armband has never been an easy symbol. It represents dedication and a heavier responsibility at the Bernabéu than anywhere else in world football.
Marca states that this appointment is also a purely competitive challenge for the Uruguayan. In addition to leading the team under Portuguese coach José Mourinho, he must establish himself in a highly competitive midfield.
Mourinho will employ a double pivot system, but 3 candidates are vying for only 2 positions.
After the failed acquisition of Rodri, new signing Bernardo Silva has become an indispensable part of the team's attacking organization, and the only true attacking midfielder and playmaking option Mourinho has.
Mourinho now faces a difficult choice for the remaining starting spot, and the competition between Tchouameni and Valverde is intensifying.
This competition is particularly sensitive and more explosive. Last season, the two clashed at the Valdebebas training ground, and the Uruguayan was hospitalized as a result.
Although they have moved past it and their relationship has eased, the reality remains: they are still vying for the same position; and if Bernardo Silva is absent, they will also share midfield organizational duties.
Their characteristics are completely different. Valverde has strong spatial coverage, abundant stamina, and can help teammates by constantly running. He can also play as a right winger, but the arrival of Diomande complicates this option.
In contrast, Tchouameni fits Mourinho's tactical ideas better. He is defensively solid, has good ball control, and his main task is to protect Bernardo Silva and undertake defensive work.
Captain Valverde had a clear advantage at the start of the season: he was one of the first players to return after the World Cup, played in all pre-season warm-up matches, was in good form, and also acted as a spokesman to the media, expressing his appreciation for Mourinho and new signings like Bernardo Silva.
Conversely, Tchouameni was not fully prepared at the start of the season. He did not participate in any warm-up matches and was the only player in the squad who did not take part in pre-season training.
The long and demanding schedule will provide ample playing opportunities for both, but the real test is to convince Mourinho that they deserve to occupy a core position in the team.
For Valverde, the best way to honor the captain's armband is to prove himself on the field, game after game, rather than relying on his status to secure a position.
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ariwanze
0
Tchouameni is better than Valverde
Its not about better than here. Its much more than that. Have you not learned anything from the preseason games so far?
ariwanze
0
competing? Tchouameni missed preseason. Camavinga(if he stays) is more likely to play cos Tchouameni needs time when season starts to gain match fitness n sharpness and there are no more games for trial n error. This team is too competitive right now to play an unfit Tchouameni when fitter players are on the bench EXCEPT Real Madrid is winning by a wide margin then Mourinho may sub him in to gain match sharpness etc. Asides that he did himself dirty by resuming late.
faucdimor
0
Tchouameni is better than Valverde
Suarezzy
1
one is better at the defensive position while the other is love more by the fans but he clearly isn't better than the other there lol , so many chaos in Madrid this season 📌
if you think vervade and Silva is better than tuchemeni in that position you are not being honest lol
Jotadistz
0
in many ways yes but the position under consideration is Tchouameni's core position
Absolutely correct ✔️. Silva has pushed Valverde to come out and be competitive against big teams. On a good day Tchourameri have the edges.
Jotadistz
0
one is better at the defensive position while the other is love more by the fans but he clearly isn't better than the other there lol , so many chaos in Madrid this season 📌
Not good to have the same characteristics players at the same time. Both are good depending on opposition clubs Real Madrid play against. Sure Silva has brought new dimensions to the club.
Suarezzy
1
one is better at the defensive position while the other is love more by the fans but he clearly isn't better than the other there lol , so many chaos in Madrid this season 📌
Cupademrs
2
vavalvarde all the way
Muhabdlryz
2
slm
MageGH
2
Valvarde is way better than Tchouameni.
in many ways yes but the position under consideration is Tchouameni's core position
Buheiknou
0
Valvarde is way better than Tchouameni.
they are different
Tetbdenpu
3
Valvarde is way better than Tchouameni.