Real Madrid’s Federico Valverde has been fantastic this season and will play a significant part in Saturday’s Champions League final.

Although his goals, assists and chance creation numbers are all down, Valverde has become the midfielder he was always meant to be – the unsung hero in the middle of the park who will be crucial if Los Blancos are to win their 15th European Cup in Saturday’s Champions League final at Wembley Stadium

The Uruguayan midfielder is often overlooked, but if Los Blancos are to win the European Cup on Saturday, it will be thanks in large part to him.

Federico Valverde is difficult to define, which is part of his charm. In his five complete seasons with Real Madrid, the Uruguayan midfielder has moved over the field, filling in for injured players and often finding himself in places that don’t feel natural to him. However, Valverde has always performed admirably whenever he has been required to perform a task, first by Carlo Ancelotti and then by Zinedine Zidane.

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Despite his flexibility, there was always the feeling that this gifted player had more to offer; all he needed to do was find a permanent spot on the field. Ancelotti may have finally unlocked it this season, as Valverde is currently excelling in a deep-lying role within Madrid’s tweaked 4-4-2 lineup.

Valverde has evolved into the midfield player that was always meant to be, the unsung hero in the middle of the park who will be essential if Los Blancos are to win their 15th European Cup in Saturday’s Champions League final at Wembley Stadium, despite his goals, assists, and chance creation numbers all being down.