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 have finally received some good news as MARCA confirms that Nacho has finally made his decision about his future, and is set to continue at the club for the foreseeable future.
His contract expires in the summer, and Real Madrid had tabled an extension for the player, which was not accepted by the Spaniard at the time. Now, however, he has decided to reject offers from Juventus, Inter Milan, Chelsea, Inter Milan, and AC Milan.
Nacho will sign a one year extension, with the option to extend for another year if both parties reach an agreement.
His continuity also means that he will be the new club captain for the 2023/24 season, since Karim Benzema is leaving the club on a free transfer in the summer. Luka Modric will be second captain, followed by Daniel Carvajal and Toni Kroos.
Carlo Ancelotti has also spoken to the player, confirming that they trust him for next season in the team, which has gone a long way in helping convince the player.
The Italian gaffer also spoke about the Spanish defender’s contract situation after the game against Athletic Club yesterday, saying:
“Asensio, Nacho and Ceballos? We have explained them their roles. The club have offered them renewals. Asensio has preferred to leave, Ceballos and Nacho are still thinking about it.”
While a centre-back by trade, Nacho has played across the defence for Madrid continuously, including putting shifts at left-back, right-back, and even centre-back.
His departure would have probably pushed Madrid to sign another defender, especially since they are considering selling Ferland Mendy if a good offer arrives.
Regardless of that, though, Madrid are moving to sign Alphonso Davies, and have already made initial contacts with the player. Bayern Munich have not rejected their advances.
Further, the los blancos management have already met with Davies’ entourage twice, cementing their interest in the Canadian ace.
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