Uruguay's Valverde looking to use Madrid frustration as motivation for Spain clash

Crouched down with his head bowed, the Celeste captain, 27, made no attempt to hide his disappointment in Miami on Sunday after his team drew 2-2 with Cape Verde.

Yet another setback, adding to the "frustration" and "anger" felt by the Real Madrid midfielder after Uruguay's underwhelming performance in their opening match against Saudi Arabia.

The Celeste, led by Argentine Marcelo Bielsa, can nevertheless rely on his physical prowess and powerful long-range shot. But Valverde (75 caps, nine goals), playing in his second World Cup after 2022, has so far failed to find the net with his rare attempts on goal.

His World Cup performances have continued the trend of a season to forget with Real: no silverware, managerial disruption, and an altercation in early May with Frenchman Aurelien Tchouameni that left him with a head injury and forced him to miss the end of the season.

A two-time Champions League winner, 'Pajarito' (little bird), had actually started the season in good form, even wearing the captain's armband several times in the absence of Dani Carvajal.

His eight seasons at Madrid and his versatility have made him one of the most experienced players in the squad, and he was a key figure for former coach Xabi Alonso.

Hat-trick against Manchester City

But, without Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dani Carvajal, Xabi Alonso moved the midfielder to right-back. A position Valverde did not enjoy, leading to friction between the two men - so much so that, according to some observers, he was partly responsible for the coach's departure in January.

With Alexander-Arnold back, Valverde returned to his best, scoring a hat-trick in the first leg of the Champions League round of 16 against Manchester City.

"It doesn't matter where you play him. He's the Juanito of the 21st century. Everything a Real Madrid player dreams of being, that's Fede Valverde," praised interim coach Alvaro Arbeloa, comparing him to the Merengue icon of the 1970s and 80s.

Valverde had hoped to clear his head with Uruguay. Instead, he and his teammates now find themselves up against Spain, the reigning European champions. 

In a rare occurrence for a Spain match, if Marc Cucurella hadn't signed for Real Madrid last week, the Uruguayan playmaker would have been the only representative of the club on the pitch.

Valverde will be aiming to guide Uruguay to a crucial victory, which would confirm their spot in the knockout stages.

Follow Uruguay vs Spain with Flashscore.