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
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.
