![](https://www.sirrichie.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/fooy-1.jpg)
Real signed Valverde from Uruguayan side Penarol in July 2016. As he was only a youngster at the time, Real managed to snap him up for just €5million.
That transfer has proved to be a brilliant piece of business. Valverde’s importance to Real has grown massively over the last few seasons and he is now one of their most integral players.
The star has made 39 appearances in all competitions so far this term, chipping in with 12 goals and four assists. He is loved by manager Carlo Ancelotti due to his ability to play either as a central midfielder or as a right winger.
The only reason Ancelotti does not have to rely on Valverde in midfield every week is that he can also utilise veterans Luka Modric and Toni Kroos there. Once those two players retire, Valverde will likely become a regular in the centre of the pitch. He could form a devastating midfield trio with Aurelien Tchouameni and Eduardo Camavinga.