Real Madrid News
Ancelotti considers ‘untouchable’ Real Madrid midfielder as ‘one of the best in the world’
Over the past couple of seasons, Federico Valverde has grown a lot in stature at Real Madrid. Even though he has had to compete with the likes of Luka Modric and Toni Kroos, the Uruguayan international has managed to carve out a spot for himself in the side.
A central midfielder by trade, Valverde has also made himself a very useful option for the right-wing berth under Carlo Ancelotti and continues to put in tremendous displays one after the other irrespective of where he is deployed by the manager.
Valverde was the Man of the Match as Real Madrid defeated RB Leipzig 2-0 in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday night. The 24-year-old scored another goal last night to build on his wondrous strike against RCD Mallorca over the weekend.
Recently, there have been a lot of reports claiming that Valverde was a target for Liverpool late in the summer transfer window, with the Reds even pondering making a club-record bid to pry him away from Real Madrid, although the two clubs have downplayed those rumours.
And reliable transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has now provided an update on those speculations, stating that Valverde’s name was never discussed by any suitor during the summer window as he is regarded as ‘untouchable’ by Real Madrid.
The 24-year-old Uruguayan is a favourite of Ancelotti. So much so that, the Italian tactician and his coaching staff consider Valverde to be ‘one of the best in the world’ in the present and for the future, Romano adds.
Valverde joined Real Madrid from Uruguayan outfit Penarol in the summer of 2016 for a fee of just €5 million. One of the jewels unearthed by Juni Calafat, the 24-year-old spent a year with Castilla and then had a loan spell at Deportivo La Coruna before becoming a first-team member.
To date, he has made 156 appearances for the Merengues, scoring nine goals and setting up ten more. Valverde signed a new long-term contract with Real Madrid last year, committing his future to the Spanish capital club until 2027.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr. admits finishing problem after another frustrating night vs Elche: ‘Can’t miss that much’
Vinicius Jr.’s difficult start in front of goal continued against Elche, and the Real Madrid forward did not need anyone to tell him he had missed another chance to make the difference.
The Brazilian finished the night without a goal despite having chances to get on the scoresheet, while his teammates could only watch from the bench as opportunities went begging.
Jose Mourinho had already identified the problem before kick-off, bluntly pointing to the issue facing his forward, stating, “He’s missing the goal.”
Vini offered an equally frank assessment afterwards.
Rather than hide from another frustrating evening, he accepted responsibility on social media: “The goals will come back; I can’t miss that much…”
Two chances, no finish for Vinicius
Vinicius had two particularly clear openings against Elche, but neither produced the finish Real Madrid needed from their star forward.
The first arrived when he found himself one-on-one with the opposition goalkeeper.
Instead of finding the net, Vinicius caught the ball with the tip of his foot and sent his effort wide. Arda Guler was available during the move and called for the ball, but Vini backed himself to finish the chance.
He had another opportunity after the interval, this time following an excellent pass from Guler during a quick Real Madrid transition. Again, though, Vinicius could not find the target.
His evening ended in the 68th minute, with Mourinho deciding the Brazilian was tired and turning his attention towards Sunday’s Atletico Madrid derby.
Mourinho has a bigger decision to make
The numbers show why Vinicius’ finishing has become a talking point. He managed five shots against Elche, but only one was on target and none found the net.
After seven appearances this season, the Brazilian has scored just once, which is a striking return for a player Real Madrid rely upon to provide a major share of their attacking threat.
Ultimately, though, Real Madrid found another route to victory, with Arda Guler, Kylian Mbappe and Carlos Espi providing the goals in the 3-2 comeback.
Mokgothu Leboko
September 15, 2022 at 1:12 pm
Yes,Federico Valverde is now playing wonders,if he does not on the ball the team looks to be lost but just as the ball is at his feet all players become active and start to see the light.Valverde is gonna one-day make a good striker,as he is able to play any position.I like when he start to have the ball from deep on his side and start to cross to the opponent side running with the ball,I usually know something has to happen.He is a good player.
Alfredo Castro
September 15, 2022 at 5:16 pm
Fede is quickly becoming one of the pillars of this Madrid’s present & future. It is exciting to see these youngsters stepping up and producing as if they were 10-year vets. Hala Madrid!
Sarki Mohammed Yaro
September 15, 2022 at 6:20 pm
Fede is now the secret of Real Madrid. He is going, strong, quick and agile. Madrid is blessed to have Modric and Casimero, Rodrigo, Nacho and Kronos in one. He sparks the game when everyone is asleep.
In Fede, Vinga and Aurelien Mddrid is in the next generation already