Real Madrid impressed by Federico Valverde, regarded as one of the top players globally.
Trent Alexander-Arnold referred to Federico Valverde as “the most underrated footballer on the planet,” while coach Álvaro Arbeloa labeled him “a benchmark” following the midfielder’s hat trick in Real Madrid’s 3-0 victory over Manchester City on Wednesday.
Valverde’s hat trick, achieved in just 22 minutes at the Bernabéu, provided Madrid with a crucial advantage heading into next week’s last-16 second leg in Manchester, although Vinícius Júnior had a second-half penalty saved by Gianluigi Donnarumma.
The Uruguayan is the first midfielder to net a hat trick for Madrid in the Champions League, effectively doubling his career total in the tournament.
“I believe he’s the most underrated footballer on the planet and has been for years,” teammate Alexander-Arnold stated to CBS. “Even when I wasn’t here, I admired his game immensely. There are no flaws in it; there’s nothing he cannot accomplish.
“The energy and contribution he brings to the team are absolutely significant. He never complains, he pushes himself to the limit, match after match. It’s an extraordinary quality to possess. Whether people agree or not, he is undoubtedly among the top tier of midfielders globally and has been for years.”
Coach Arbeloa has reinstated Valverde to the midfield after he had been utilized as a right-back by former coach Xabi Alonso.
“It doesn’t matter where you place [Valverde],” Arbeloa remarked. “For me, he’s the [Madrid icon] Juanito of the 21st century, a standard for Madridismo. He embodies everything a Madrid player should represent. He earned a night like this, and he will certainly never forget it.”
City’s Pep Guardiola described Valverde as “fantastic,” adding that he was the rightful MVP of the match.
“We wanted Fede to be more aggressive, to challenge City’s defense,” Arbeloa explained regarding Valverde’s role on the right wing. “He made a tremendous effort, assisted Trent in defense, and scored three goals. It’s a match to remember… But the most crucial aspect is what he conveys, what he signifies for his teammates.”
“You always dream of nights like this,” Valverde shared with Movistar. “I truly enjoyed myself today. It had been a while since I experienced a match like this.”
The result against City marked the pinnacle of Arbeloa’s two-month tenure at the Bernabéu.
“It was the match where we adhered most closely to the game plan we established,” Arbeloa noted. “We were a team in capital letters. This dressing room is filled with exceptional players, but we also need to function as a great team to overcome City. We must adopt a collective mentality and be clear about our objectives without the ball.”
