Real Madrid News
In-form Real Madrid ace hailed as a ‘total player’ by national team manager
Speaking in a press conference, Uruguay national team manager Diego Alonso has hailed Real Madrid midfielder Federico Valverde as a ‘total player’ while praising him for his ‘exuberant’ start to the ongoing season.
Valverde has emerged as one of Real Madrid’s best players this season and has been the driving force behind the defence of their La Liga and UEFA Champions League titles.
Apart from his impeccably energetic displays, the 24-year-old has also contributed heavily in front of goal, bagging as many as eight goals already.
A guarantee to be on the plane for the World Cup with the Uruguayan national team, Valverde has now earned plaudits from Alonso.
“He has been having an exuberant performance, it is noticeable and it is constant. It makes us very happy,” the Uruguay boss said (h/t MARCA).
Further praising his adaptability and versatility, Alonso added: “He is a total player. With us the first game he played as a left midfielder and later in a double pivot with Bentancur. In other games, he has played as an interior midfielder.
“I know he has even played as a central defender and a winger as well… He can play anywhere and he will do well because he is a great footballer.”
Valverde has done a sterling job for Real Madrid while playing in central midfield or on the right flank this season.
A firm fan-favourite at the Santiago Bernabeu, the 24-year-old has admitted that he desires to become the club captain in the future. And if he continues in this vein of form, the day when he will don the captain’s armband for Real Madrid might not be too far.
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.
