In the just-concluded international break, Federico Valverde and Ronald Araujo were both called up by the Uruguayan national team, but unfortunately, Araujo was seriously injured in the warm-up match against Iran and is likely to miss the Qatar World Cup. Although Valverde and Araujo are each in charge at the club level, "Feder" (Valverde's nickname) is also reluctant to see such a situation happen.
Araujo, Valverde, Núñez
This season, Valverde has performed well at Real Madrid, having accumulated four goals and two assists. In Ancelotti's tactical system, Valverde is no longer played as a back, but is portrayed as a "pseudo-winger" - actively inserting himself when attacking, seeking opportunities to break through with his feet; When the team fell into the defense, it immediately retreated to the midfield line to block and shovel the enemy ball holder.
However, Uruguay's tactical system is different from Real Madrid's, with Valverde and Rodrigo Bentancourt forming a double back at the request of head coach Diego Alonso. Although far from the box, Valverde does not reject this role positioning: "Personally, I like to cut in front to score goals, assists, or create chances on the offensive end. In this game against Canada, I was far from the box and it was difficult to complete the front insert. However, such an arrangement can also create a lot of scoring opportunities. When the team counter-attacked, there was a lot of space in front of me for me to run with the ball. ”
Unfortunately, teammate Araujo did not play against Canada due to injury and may even be injured to the World Cup, Valverde is very sorry: "I am sad about this because I don't want to see my national team teammate injured, even if he is from Barcelona. ”
For Araujo, Valverde could only send his sincerest wishes: "We all know Ronald's professional level and know how he plays and trains. I have suffered such an injury in Spain as well, and I wish him good luck and cheer him on. I am sure that he will give his all to play in the World Cup, to be with us. ”