Real Madrid News
Federico Valverde talks Ancelotti, World Cup, favourite position, Steven Gerrard comparisons
Federico Valverde has been one of the top performers at Real Madrid this season, with the midfielder recently bagging the La Liga Player of the Month accolade.
In light of his excellent performances, Valverde praised Carlo Ancelotti for maintaining trust in his qualities while hailing his own development over the past few years.
“Now he is giving me more prominence, he already gave it to me at the end of last season. Carlo with a look is already telling you many things, which make you grow as a player and as a person. On Sunday I did not play as a starter. Before I used to get angry. Today I have learned,” Valverde told Ovacion (h/t MARCA).
The midfielder went on to talk about his development over the years, suggesting that he has earned his place in the Real Madrid team.
“The Fede Valverde of today is not the same as the one of three years ago. Through effort and humility I have earned my place in the team; today I feel very important”.
Valverde even responded to comparisons with Steven Gerrard made by Luis Suarez, saying: “It’s spectacular that they compare you with a player like that, with a star, a world idol. It’s spectacular, I do see characteristics of him.”
With six goal involvements in ten matches, Valverde has been extremely successful this season, even when deployed in a wide attacking role. However, the player prefers to play in the midfield as it gives him more freedom.
“I feel very good in the middle. I think that is where I can show my qualities the most and help the team, in defence and attack. When you play there you have more freedom than on the wing,” he added.
Finally, the 24-year-old Real Madrid star revealed his dream of winning the World Cup: “We have the illusion of winning the World Cup and bringing that little gift to the whole country that they deserve so much.”
Uruguay have won the World Cup only twice in their history: one in the inaugural year of 1930 and another in 1950. They have not won the coveted tournament since, but Valverde wants to make it happen in 2022.
“I won the Champions League, but I want the World Cup more than anything,” he said.
Real Madrid News
Harry Kane’s signing could complicate Real Madrid’s plan to sign Erling Haaland in 2024
Those sitting in the Real Madrid offices are aware that the team needs an emergency number 9. In this context, manager Carlo Ancelotti has already affirmed that they are working on some targets, although he decided not to reveal any names.
Now, what makes this operation trickier is that Madrid already have Erling Haaland on their agenda. The Manchester City forward is billed for the summer of 2024, meaning that any signing Madrid make this year will be extremely short-term.
A couple of days back, we reported that Ancelotti has made the signing of Tottenham Hotspur forward Harry Kane his priority. The manager is of the idea that the England international will be the ideal candidate to provide competition to Benzema, whose physical fitness is now deteriorating.
As far as Kane is concerned, the Tottenham forward is rightly expected to leave and fellow Premier League side Manchester United happen to be interested in his acquisition as well.
It is not really difficult for Madrid to sign Kane, but the fact that Madrid already have Haaland in their plans is a problem, reports AS. At 29 years of age, Kane is not someone who would step down from his starting role when Haaland arrives.
Add to it the continuity of Benzema is yet another issue. All this means there is a high possibility that if Kane arrives, the team will overbook the number 9 position.
At the moment, there is a parade of names that Madrid are following, namely, Goncalo Ramos, Dusan Vlahovic and even Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, but nothing is certain at the moment.
What Madrid need is a short-term option, someone who is either willing to settle for a secondary role, even when Benzema leave/retires or is ready to come on a season-long loan to cover the position until Madrid sign Haaland in 2024. Either way, Harry Kane does not fit the bill.
