Real Madrid News
Barcelona icon hails Real Madrid midfielder: “Reminded me of Steven Gerrard”
For the better half of the last decade, Luis Suarez tormented Real Madrid’s defence in every El Clasico. The Uruguayan, aptly nicknamed El Pistolero, was known for his killer instinct in front of goal and etched his name into football history as the only player to outscore Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo in a season at their peaks.
After a short stint at Atletico Madrid, Suarez closed the curtains on his career in Europe earlier this year and moved to Nacional. He remains a key member of Uruguay’s National team where he shares the dressing room with Federico Valverde.
The Barcelona legend spoke to MARCA recently where he shared his thoughts on Valverde’s growth as a footballer. Speaking about the midfielder’s debut for the National team, he said,
“When Fede Valverde made his debut with the National Team in 2017, I said that he reminded me of Steven Gerrard.”
Having the right environment is crucial for any player to develop his game. Suarez stressed the benefits of being surrounded by the best players in the world and said that Valverde’s astronomical growth was influenced by that factor too.
“Fede Valverde has made great progress, surrounded by big stars. It did him a lot of good.”
In just eight games this season, the 24-year-old has scored four goals and provided two assists. Though traditionally a midfielder, Carlo Ancelotti has found a way to deploy Valverde as a winger this season as the results are a testament to the setup’s success.
Both players are expected to represent La Celeste in the upcoming FIFA World Cup and will look to justify their nation’s perennial tag of being giant killers.
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.
