Federico Valverde is set to become one of the most influential figures in Jose Mourinho’s new-look Real Madrid, with the Portuguese coach viewing the Uruguayan midfielder as the perfect captain to lead his project both on and off the pitch.

According to Thomas Martin of El Debate, Mourinho believes Valverde embodies everything he expects from a Real Madrid player.

Advertisement

His intensity, leadership, work ethic and relentless competitiveness have convinced the manager that the midfielder is the ideal link between the coaching staff and the dressing room.

Mourinho Wants Valverde to Lead by Example

Mourinho sees Federico Valverde as far more than just another starter in his midfield.

The Real Madrid manager believes the Uruguay international perfectly represents the mentality he wants throughout the squad.

On that note, his fighting spirit, commitment and willingness to sacrifice for the team are qualities Mourinho considers essential for building a winning side.

Valverde will be Real Madrid’s first captain. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

Advertisement

With Valverde now taking over as the club’s first captain, Mourinho feels he has found the ideal player to communicate his ideas within the dressing room.

The report suggests the pair share a similar football philosophy, with Valverde understanding exactly what the Portuguese coach demands from his players.

That mutual respect has strengthened the relationship between manager and captain, with Mourinho considering Valverde his extension on the pitch during matches and his most trusted voice away from them.

Minute Details Matter

As reported before, Paris Saint-Germain made an enquiry a couple of months ago regarding the possibility of signing Valverde.

Advertisement

The French champions explored whether Real Madrid would be open to negotiations following the midfielder’s much-publicised disagreements with Aurelien Tchouameni.

Mourinho feels Valverde is the ideal player to lead the Real Madrid squad. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

However, the conversation never progressed beyond an initial enquiry.

Valverde made his position clear, insisting he had no intention of leaving the Santiago Bernabeu because Real Madrid is the club where he wants to spend his career.

Notably, the tension with Tchouameni had raised questions about Valverde’s suitability to become captain.

Advertisement

Hence, before confirming the leadership role, Real Madrid ensured both midfielders resolved their differences, recognising that harmony within the dressing room was essential for the captain to command complete respect.

Once that was reinstated, Mourinho made it clear to Valverde that maintaining unity inside the squad will be one of his biggest responsibilities, something that the Portuguese feels the midfielder will do best.