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| AFP Yonhap News |
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| AFP Yonhap News |
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Real Madrid's key midfielder Federico Valverde recorded the most playing time in the world last season.
On the 14th (local time), the Spanish daily 『Marca" became a marathon. Valverde is the first of all footballers to cross the special finish line, saying, 'No sport will have to play for an extended period of 11 months. He played 65 games for his team and seven for the Uruguayan national team, a total of 72 games and 6116 minutes for his team, which highlighted Valderde's remarkable record.
'Marca' expressed surprise that Valverde missed just three games throughout the 2024-2025 season. It includes Girona and Betis in Spain's Primera Liga. He started most games except against Celta Vigo, Rayo Bayecano and Leganes. The starting rate is about 94.4%. Among field players, it is the second highest after midfielder and defender Orelian Chouameni (96.8%). However, Chouameni (63 games) played nine games less than Valverde.
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| 츨처=마르카 |
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| AFP Yonhap News |
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In terms of the number of games played, Luca Modric, who moved from Real to AC Milan, led with 73 games. However, due to the age of being in trouble, he played alternately as a starter and a substitute. He is far below Valverde in his playing time. Valverde's playing time outpaces all goalkeepers as well as the built-in stars of each team, including Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes (5796 minutes), Bayern Munich midfielder Jozua Kimmich (5529 minutes), Manchester City defender Josko Gvardiol (5459 minutes), and Paris Saint-Germain full-back Achraf Hakimi (5260 minutes).
His team Real also played 68 games, exceeding 66 games in the 2001-2002 season. Had it not lost to Paris Saint-Germain 0-4 in the FIFA Club World Cup semi-finals in 2025, it would have been 69 matches.
Valverde is expected to play a key role in the upcoming season as well. Real manager Xavi Alonso used Valverde as a midfielder, winger and full-back at the last Club World Cup. In terms of multi-ability, he was also compared to Steven Gerrard, a former Liverpool teammate. They are also involved in team scoring, having a huge impact on offense and defense with tremendous energy. In the Club World Cup, he scored a goal in the group league against Pachuca and Salzburg.
Most terrifyingly, Valverde does not suffer a common injury even though he has an overworked schedule.
This article was translated by Naver AI translator.
