Real Madrid News
Real Madrid midfielder on his way to ‘becoming the best’ claims ex-Premier League star
Speaking on BT Sport (h/t Daily Mail), former Chelsea, Liverpool and West Ham United winger Joe Cole has claimed that Federico Valverde is on his way to becoming the best midfielder in the world.
Valverde is enjoying a sensational start to the 2022/23 season and has emerged as one of the most important players in Carlo Ancelotti’s side.
The 24-year-old has always brought energy and tenacity to the field but has added the element of goals to his game this season and has been making valuable contributions in the final third of the pitch.
Valverde was once again on target on Wednesday as Real Madrid thrashed Celtic 5-1 in the UEFA Champions League. The Uruguayan international was named the man of the match for his all-round showing on the night.
And Joe Cole has claimed that Valverde is certainly on the way to the top, having had time to learn from the best of the best like Luka Modric, Casemiro and Toni Kroos over the past years, while also comparing him with Real Madrid target Jude Bellingham.
“He’s standing right at the top of the tree with Bellingham in the young players, and he’s on the verge of becoming the best,” Cole said.
“He’s found it tough getting into Casemiro, Kroos, and Modric, they’ve been incredible. He’s had to wait, bide his time and learn from the greats, take a little bit from everyone’s game.”
Highlighting what Valverde brings to the table, Cole added: “He’s box-to-box, he scores goals, he’s a technician he was the unsung hero in the final, I thought he was outstanding against Liverpool.
“He drove that team forward, he’s a powerful boy, took his goal lovely, and he’s one that I earmarked about two years ago.”
“His stats this year are unbelievable, his goals, assists, goal involvements, incredible player and we talk a lot about Bellingham in this country, but this kid is every bit as good as Bellingham,” the former Premier League and England star further added.
Valverde has been truly remarkable in the ongoing campaign, be it as a central midfielder or in an unnatural right-wing position. The 24-year-old has already scored eight goals and set up four more in 18 matches in all competitions and more of the same will be expected from him.
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.
