Worst free-kick of 2022? Fede Valverde for Real Madrid vs Celta Vigo

The 2022/23 season is set to be a big one for Federico Valverde in Real Madrid colours.

Following the departure of midfield stalwart Casemiro to Manchester United, the Uruguay international will be handed more responsibility by Carlo Ancelotti moving forward.

The 24-year-old, who joined Real Madrid from Penarol in 2016, has actually been a key part of the Los Blancos squad for quite a few years now.

But he will take on even more of a leadership role in midfield after Casemiro’s exit and in the club’s first game without the Brazilian enforcer on Saturday evening, Valverde was exceptional.

The versatile operator scored in Real Madrid’s 4-1 win away at Celta Vigo, with Karim Benzema, Vinicius Junior and Luka Modric the other scorers for the Spanish champions.

Valverde completed the full 90 minutes, playing as both a right-winger and in central midfield during what was a top-quality display overall.

However, there was a very poor moment from him in the first half of proceedings, one which will be replayed by rival supporters for quite some time.

When the scores were level at 1-1 shortly before the half-time interval, Valverde tried to create an opportunity for his team from a free-kick situation – but it went horribly wrong.

He took aim from near the touchline and tried to find Modric, who was stationed on the edge of the box.

Sadly for Valverde and Real Madrid, the ball went nowhere near the Croatian midfielder. Instead Valverde’s effort sailed over his head and went out for a throw in on the opposite touchline.

We might not see a worse free-kick in the entirety of the 2022/23 season…

Valverde viens de tirer le pire coup-franc de l'histoire