Real Madrid News
Toni Kroos hails ‘world-class’ Real Madrid midfielder: “I’m a huge fan”
Speaking on his podcast ‘Einfach Mal Luppen’ (h/t MARCA), Real Madrid veteran Toni Kroos has admitted that he is a huge fan of teammate Federico Valverde and claimed that the Uruguayan will be a world-class performer for Real Madrid for the next decade.
After enjoying a solid campaign last time out, Valverde has grown further in stature in the current season, becoming an integral part of Carlo Ancelotti’s setup.
Whether it is on the right flank or in the middle of the park, the 24-year-old has excelled and has even added goals to his game. Indeed, prior to his injury last week, had already scored seven goals this season in just 16 appearances across all competitions.
And Kroos has now heaped praise on the young midfielder, saying: “I’m a huge fan of Federico Valverde. He is gaining more and more confidence. If he remains on this path, he will be a world class player for the next decade at Real Madrid.”
Reminiscing the first time that he saw Valverde, Kroos said: “I remember it was during the tour of the 18-19 season in the United States. Our physio warned me to keep an eye on him because he knew I was his idol. I immediately realized that he was a great guy.
“Very quiet and humble. That was what I liked the most about him. He didn’t act differently because he traveled with us. He gave everything in each training session without fear of anything. I was watching him on the field and out too.”
On Valverde’s style of play, Kroos added: “I’ve always liked the way he played. Seeing him on the pitch you knew he could grow a lot and become a special footballer. At first, he was inconsistent in his game, but he always wanted to improve and gradually earned the coaches’ confidence.”
Kroos recently took to social media to claim that Valverde was among the top three midfielders currently. Reiterating his stance, the German said:
“My tweet the other day was because he is in excellent form and playing like this with the level that the team shows he is special. Regardless of his current moment, I think he is a great player.”
Valverde has made the difference for Real Madrid on several occasions this season, scoring goals in big games like the ones against Atletico Madrid, Barcelona and Sevilla.
The 24-year-old signed a new contract with Los Blancos last year, extending his contract with the club until the summer of 2027.
The midfielder is being groomed for a future captaincy role and given his growth recently, there is no stopping Valverde from becoming the club captain in the near future.
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.
Mokgothu Leboko
October 28, 2022 at 4:31 am
Yes,Tony is saying the whole truth about Valverde,he is really a good player indeed.I still want to see him committed to the ball for a longer time driving it from hi own half zig-zagging through into the opponents half until he puts it into the net or passing it to his teammate for a finish. He got long strides with good ability to shoot at goals whilst running.I sometimes wonder why the coach can’t try him as a striker because Valverde can play any position,I assure you that.
Alinikisa Jonas Mwaipungu
October 30, 2022 at 5:35 am
The player is committed, he care for the team and his family.A well mannered player.