No longer wearing the familiar number 15 shirt, Federico Valverde now takes to the field with the number 8 shirt on his back, and carries a responsibility and duty that could not be more important: inheriting the great legacy left by Toni Kroos. And then after his performance in the 2024 European Super Cup, Fede made the whole world mention his name.

In the 59th minute of the 2024 UEFA Super Cup, Vinicius Junior broke through the pace, passed the Atalanta defender and crossed for Valverde to tap into the empty net to open the score. A goal that seemed too simple became a big turning point to help Real Madrid win the championship.

Let’s take a closer look, the author of that goal is no longer wearing the familiar number 15 shirt. Now, Valverde has taken to the field with the number 8 shirt on his back, and has a responsibility and duty that could not be higher – inheriting the great legacy that Toni Kroos left behind. And then, in his first official performance with the new shirt number, Fede made the whole world mention his name.

Federico Valverde scored the opening goal for Real against Atalanta

Today, Kylian Mbappe is the name that gets the most attention. However, for loyal Real Madrid fans, the thing that makes them feel happiest is definitely seeing a perfect number 8 shine on the field and score goals. And then surely Toni Kroos himself, when watching the Super Cup, must have clapped his hands and smiled with satisfaction, because he chose Valverde to continue the story of the legendary number 8 at Santiago Bernabeu, after more than a decade of attachment.This year’s Real Madrid number 8 will be strange, but also familiar. There will no longer be the image of a calm number 8 stroking his hair, or leisurely regulating the game. Instead, there will be a number 8 running around the field, always ready to launch cannonballs that distort the opponent’s goal.

We all know that 7 is the legendary number at Real Madrid. There are so many monuments at Bernabeu who have created a glorious history with this special number. Butragueno, Raul Gonzalez and Cristiano Ronaldo. And at the present time, Vinicius Junior is still on the path to inheriting the greatness of his predecessors. Number 8 is no less important at Real Madrid, but it has been tirelessly raised to a new level by Toni Kroos alone for more than a decade.

It was the German midfielder’s talent, with his ability to pass the ball and control the game at a top level, that made the number 8 shirt an indispensable part of Los Blancos’ journey to the top. Unfortunately, despite still being at the peak of his form, Kroos decided to retire after EURO 2024. The Champions League final at Wembley was Kroos’ last time wearing a Real Madrid shirt. The 34-year-old midfielder said a sweet farewell after a decade with the “Galaxy”.

And then, the question was raised that made Madridistas eagerly search for the answer: “Who will be the successor to the number 8 that Toni Kroos left behind?” And it didn’t take long for the former Bayern Munich star himself to “name” his younger brother Federico Valverde to become the new owner of his shirt.

This was extremely reasonable and immediately received a nod from the White Vultures’ Board of Directors. Previously, several midfielders at Real Madrid such as Camavinga or Tchouameni also wanted to wear Kroos’ number 8 shirt. However, the “Los Blancos” top brass believed that Valverde was the most worthy successor to the German midfielder.

Federico Valverde is the successor to Toni Kroos’ number 8 shirt.

Obviously, having to give up his favorite number 15 shirt, and take on number 8, along with many greater tasks, is both a challenge and a gift, a worthy reward for Fede Valverde’s tireless efforts. And the opening goal against Atalanta, directly helping Real break the deadlock that had existed for nearly 60 minutes and win the European Super Cup this morning, is the most resolute affirmation of this midfielder.

We must also be frank that the void that Toni Kroos has left at the Bernabeu is too big. And this is also the first official match in a decade that Real has had to play without the German midfielder. Moreover, the leisurely style of dominating the midfield, but containing a genius mind, is a unique brand that only Kroos has. Therefore, Toni’s image certainly cannot be erased.

However, Federico Valverde did everything he could. In 90 minutes on the pitch, the Uruguayan midfielder touched the ball 72 times, successfully completing 50/59 passes (85%). In addition, Valverde’s winning rate in the disputes was absolute, whether with his feet or his head. Of course, the most wonderful thing was the opening goal. Because of that comprehensiveness in both a𝔨tack and defense, Fede was given 7.8 points by Sofascore – the second highest in the Super Cup match and only behind the excellent Jude Bellingham with 9.2 points.

When playing in midfield, the Uruguayan drops back to support the defence when Real Madrid defend, and only plays forward. When playing as a right winger, he plays deeper than Rodrygo, Vinicius or Benzema before, and works with the midfield to close the gaps in the middle. Fede also drops back frequently, to create space for Dani Carvajal to run forward from the back.

Possessing an impressive physical foundation, Valverde is always fit, so he can constantly close in on opponents. The 26-year-old player is very mobile, he has the ability to support the defense, the midfield, control the ball and pass the ball to the strikers at a good level.

Valverde has always focused on his performance on the pitch, and has increasingly proven that he can contribute more. As if recognizing his student’s ability and desire, Ancelotti has freed Valverde from defensive duties in the 2022 season. Then, with his talent and tireless efforts, Fede’s expl𝔬sion came as a matter of course. When the coach allowed him to escape his comfort zone, Valverde showed everyone another quality of his – that is his long-range shots.

Federico Valverde was personally handed the number 8 shirt by Kroos.

It must be said that Valverde is very “ɦot”. His 𝔠𝔞𝔫𝔫𝔬𝔫 shots are so terrible that even goalkeeper Courtois had to shake his head and stick out his tongue when asked about how to counter his teammate: “Stopping Valverde’s shots? I don’t know, you’re asking the wrong person. I also have a lot of trouble with that in training sessions”.

And so, Valverde and his top weapon became increasingly important to Real Madrid. In the midfield filled with the experience of Toni Kroos and Luka Modric. Plus the fresh appearance of Camavinga, Tchouameni, … Federico’s position is still especially important.

Now that Galacticos 3.0 has reached its most complete level with the dazzling appearance of Kylian Mbappe, coach Ancelotti can flexibly arrange Valverde to play in many different places depending on the team’s strength situation. Valverde is increasingly asserting his irreplaceable role in the capital Madrid team.

And if asked if the number 8 shirt that Toni Kroos personally gave him is too big? Valverde’s answer is definitely still yes. However, the Uruguayan midfielder is upgrading himself to become more classy, ​​so the day he can fit into his senior’s legendary shirt is probably not far away.