Real Madrid News
Real Madrid ace hailed as ‘one of the best in the world’ by Premier League midfielder
Speaking in an interview with Tuttosport (h/t Calciomercato), Tottenham Hotspur and Uruguay midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur has hailed Real Madrid star Federico Valverde as one of the best in the world in his role.
Valverde is enjoying a brilliant start to the 2022/23 campaign and has emerged as one of Real Madrid’s most important players alongside the likes of Vinicius Jr, Toni Kroos and Luka Modric.
In the absence of Karim Benzema due to injury issues, Valverde has shouldered a lot of attacking responsibility, and has already netted eight goals this season.
Named in the Uruguay squad for the FIFA World Cup, the 24-year-old will be a key part of the team in Qatar. And his national teammate, Bentancur has praised the Real Madrid ace ahead of the tournament, while insisting that La Celeste can have a great World Cup.
“In South America, football feels different than in Europe. For us, every minute is the last we live. I’m waiting for the start of this World Cup but without too much anxiety,” Bentancur said.
“Uruguay has Valverde who is one of the best in the world in his role. There is Suarez and Cavani too, we can have a great World Cup,” he added.
In 20 matches across all competitions for Real Madrid this season, Valverde has netted eight goals and set up four more. Uruguay will certainly hope that he can carry that form forward in the World Cup this month.
The 24-year-old has made 44 appearances for his country since making his debut in 2017 and has four goals against his name.
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.
