Fede Valverde Features In Uruguay’s 0-0 draw vs Colombia; World Cup Qualifiers

Fede Valverde played the full 90 tonight in Uruguay’s 0 - 0 draw vs Colombia in a crucial World Cup qualifier at Parque Central in Montevideo.

Valverde played on the right side of midfield in a 4-3-3 — a familiar role with him at Real Madrid. He was an important part of Uruguay’s first-half domination, where his team outshot the Colombians 10 - 2, and generated better chances — including a controversially disallowed goal which Luis Suarez scored from which was ultimately deemed offside.

Valverde made good runs in the right half-space, and roamed in (mostly) narrow positions during the build-up. He was a good outlet for his team and read passing lanes well.

Though he played well, his one weak-spot tonight was with his touches — many of which were heavy and overcooked. He gave away possession cheaply during several key attacks which broke down Uruguay’s attacking flow.

Perhaps fatigue is a factor for the Real Madrid midfielder. He has not had much rest yet this season, and has had to fill multiple roles due to the team’s injury. All that, in addition to his trips to South America, will surely have taken a toll.

Both Uruguay and Colombia made wholesale changes in this game. Uruguay made a triple sub at half-time, and Uruguay used up all five subs. Valverde has yet to catch a break.

Valverde finished the game with 73 touches, 40 / 46 passes completed (87%), and 6 / 10 ground duels won.

Elsewhere, Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr came in off the bench for Brazil vs Venezuela in the 63rd minute for winger Lucas Paqueta. Vinicius had one really good chance in the box (which admittedly, he should’ve scored from), but the shot did lead to a rebound and an ensuing foul in the box for Brazil, which gave them a Gabriel Barbosa penalty and a winning goal. Brazil won 1 - 3 on the night. Eder Militao did not feature, and Casemiro stayed in Madrid due to a tooth infection.