Bielsa must solve Valverde conundrum for Uruguay

Federico Valverde’s move back into midfield transformed Uruguay into a side with greater control, drive, as well as going frontman intent against Saudi Arabia. In the opening period of the 1-1 draw, the Real Madrid man was rarely involved. Starting on the right wing, away from the areas where he usually exerts his influence the most, he struggled to make an impact. Everything changed after interval. Back in midfield, he once again became the driving force of Marcelo Bielsa’s side.

That has put his role back at the centre of discussions about how Uruguay will set up ahead of their Group H meeting with Cabo Verde at the FIFA World Cup 2026™.

Before the contest, Bielsa had made it clear that he would stick to his usual structure: four rearguard stars, a holding midfield man, a box-to-box star, an going frontman midfield man, two wingers, as well as a centre-frontman.

Furthermore, but La Celeste were largely unable to impose themselves in their opener at Miami Arena. Away from the areas where the contest was taking shape, Uruguay’s leader, as well as leader was unable to have his usual say on proceedings. From the right flank, Valverde rarely got to the byline, as well as struggled to find shooting positions. During those opening 45 minutes, he seemed to drift away from the touchline, as well as into more familiar areas at times, closer to the role he usually occupies for Uruguay.

following emerged following the break the introduction of Agustin Cannobio, Valverde made his comeback to his usual midfield role for La Celeste, as well as the difference was clear. From the middle of the park, he had greater control, secured loose balls, and gave fresh impetus to an offensive play that managed to find the net an equaliser. He was eventually named Michelob Ultra Superior Star of the Contest for the way he turned the contest around for his side.

"Valverde is a star who improves moves when he gets on the ball, and perhaps staying out on the right limited the number of passes he received. That may be true," admitted Bielsa in the press conference ahead of the contest, which will also be played in Miami.

"But sometimes people say a star only had a few touches. Then there are other occasions, like the contest against City [Real Madrid’s 3-0 victory in the UEFA Champions League 2025-26 last 16] when he touched the ball four times It was, as well as who secured the contest with those touches."

On the other side, in an exclusive interview with FIFA, Bielsa described the qualities of the versatile 27-year-old. "He’s a complete star," he commented. "He is dynamic, comprehensive receiving the ball in different positions, capable of finding the net, shooting from distance, crossing, making unexpected runs, working hard, as well as regaining ball retention. Few stars have so many different facets to their fixture."

On the other side, the Argentinian tactician explained that footballers usually come with a trade-off. Creative stars do not always victory the ball back, those who surprise opponents do not always defend, and stars who operate with such intensity do not always know when to slow the fixture down. In Bielsa’s view, Valverde offers something unique: "He has everything a contest can ask of a star, because every contest asks for something different."

Bielsa used the contest against Manchester City to illustrate how Valverde can impact proceedings even with limited involvement. The Uruguayan found the net all three strikes in Madrid’s victory, as well as decided the contest through isolated but decisive actions.

The context, however, was different. Unlike that Los Blancos side, Uruguay created little in their World Cup opener, as well as rarely managed to put Valverde in situations that brought out the best in him.

"Since Bielsa arrived, he has introduced us to a new way of playing. We spent many years with El Maestro, Tabarez, who had his own way of understanding the fixture. With Bielsa, a lot has changed in terms of how we play, as well as press – everyone has their own ideas," Valverde shared with FIFA.

Against Cabo Verde, everything suggests Valverde will comeback to midfield. That was where, at least in the subsequent period of their opener, Uruguay looked at their most comprehensive.