Fede Valverde has taken an important step in his career this season, after deciding to adjust the way he manages his physical effort, in light of the immense pressure he has endured during past seasons with Real Madrid and the Uruguay national team, according to the newspaper "AS".

The 27-year-old Uruguayan star was a model of consistency and continuous giving, having played 6,116 minutes last season, making him the player with the most appearances in the world, surpassing prominent names like Bruno Fernandes and Mike Maignan.

Valverde played 72 matches last season between the club and the national team, and has participated in 190 of the last 200 matches with Real Madrid, a figure that reflects the level of pressure on him.

This accumulated fatigue prompted the player to rethink his career. After suffering from a muscle injury last season, the "Falcon" began to listen to his body more, deciding in cooperation with his national team's coaching staff to temporarily reduce his international appearances.

Valverde missed the last two international windows, as he was not called up for the matches in October against the Dominican Republic and Uzbekistan, and he will also not participate against Mexico and the United States this month, in a move aimed at maintaining his fitness and avoiding setbacks.

Despite the change in the coaching staff at Real Madrid after Ancelotti's departure and the arrival of Xabi Alonso, Valverde remained a key element, participating in 15 out of 16 matches this season, totaling 1,260 minutes.

Valverde's new phase shows a different maturity; the player who used to not know the meaning of rest has become more aware of the limits of his body, convinced that continuity does not only depend on desire and determination but also on the ability to stop at the right time.