'He's ready' - Xabi Alonso denies claims Federico Valverde refused to play as Real Madrid boss responds to Uruguayan's 'truly sad' statement

Spanish reports had claimed that Valverde decided not to play in a defensive role against Kairat on September 29. The Uruguayan midfielder was left on the bench for the game, and now, in the build-up to the Villarreal game in La Liga, Alonso has refuted such claims, stating: "He's ready for tomorrow, like everyone else. We know how important he is, and we want to close this block with a win."

He added: "No player has told me they don't want to play in a certain position. They're all very willing, and then it's up to me to decide. I want to make that clear. I've always noticed the trust and closeness with the players, always from my position."

The initial reports hinted at friction between Alonso and Valverde. However, soon after the Champions League tie, Valverde took to social media to slam those reports and clarify his relationship with the manager, saying: "I’m truly sad. People can say many things about me, but under no circumstances can they say that I refuse to play". 

The Uruguayan has featured in 331 matches and scored 32 goals for Madrid. This season, under Alonso, who was appointed ahead of the Club World Cup campaign, Valverde has appeared in all seven La Liga games, starting in six of them. Even in the Club World Cup, where he scored two goals against Mexican club Pachuca and Austrian outfit Salzburg, he started all of Madrid's six games.

In his seven years at Madrid, the 27-year-old has been deployed in multiple positions beyond his natural central midfielder role. These positions include right-back, right-wing, centre-back, defensive midfield, attacking midfield and even as a wide midfielder on both flanks. Moreover, he has never shied away from playing despite being injured on occasion. 

Apart from his determined spirit, Valverde has also been a leader on the pitch. And as a result, before the 2025-26 season, he was named the second captain of the club after Dani Carvajal. Thibaut Courtois and Vinicius Junior are the other captains to lead Los Blancos.