Most underrated player on the planet? Valverde steps up for Real

When Manchester City fans saw the Real Madrid line-up for Wednesday’s last-16 tie, they will have been delighted Kylian Mbappe’s name was missing altogether.

But what they didn’t anticipate was Federico Valverde having the game of his life in the first-leg tie at the Bernabeu.

When the Uruguayan scores it is often a spectacular strike, but in general Valverde is not known for his goalscoring prowess, especially when he has been utilised at right-back rather than midfield to cover injury absences.

But in 42 fabulous first-half minutes, he celebrated a first career hat-trick.

It was a sensational display by Valverde, who captained Real on the night and led by example in a crucial game for the 15-time European champions.

The reactions of team-mates Jude Bellingham and Mbappe – both out injured and watching from the stands – to the goals said it all.

England midfielder Bellingham stood open mouthed when Valverde scored his brilliant third, lifting the ball over City defender Marc Guehi before lashing a volley past keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma. Mbappe jumped out of his seat to applaud a finish the prolific France striker would have been proud of.

“It was a similar [reaction] from me on the pitch,” Real full-back Trent Alexander-Arnold said on TNT Sports.

“I’ve said even as a Liverpool player I have admired him. He is undoubtedly the most underrated footballer on the planet.

This may have been a headline-grabbing display by Valverde, but he has been a key player for Real Madrid for some time now, having joined them back in 2017, but spent the first year on loan at Deportivo La Coruna.

He grew up in Montevideo and credits his tough upbringing to shaping the player he is today.

“I always talk about sacrifice. My dad instilled this in me,” Valverde said in an interview with Uefa last year.

“I could see it in my mum and dad when they went to work. Sometimes they wouldn’t eat so I could instead.

“I always try to imitate what I saw when I was a child. Now it allows me to sacrifice myself for the team.”

Valverde has played on some of the best pitches in the world, but it was not always like that when he was a child.

“In general they were pretty rubbish, dirt pitches,” he recalled. “Even animals would graze upon them.”

Those humble beginnings have created a character who is passionate, energetic and provides effort, desire and commitment – all of which were evident in that stunning display against City.

Former Manchester City defender Nedum Onuoha felt Valverde was the difference between the two sides.

“Valverde has been incredible in attack and defence,” he said. “He has been ruthless in attack and superbly disciplined in helping Trent Alexander-Arnold in defence.”

The statistics highlight just how rare and special a performance like this was from Valverde:

Valverde is not always the headline act for Real Madrid, but unquestionably one of the team’s most versatile and reliable players. On Wednesday night, he deservedly took the headlines.

This isn’t the first time he’s stepped up in big moments either.

Last Friday, in Real’s La Liga fixture at Celta Vigo, with the game at 1-1, he claimed a 94th-minute winner to keep their title hopes alive.

In the 39 games he’s played this season, he’s started 37, with his versatility impressing boss Alvaro Arbeloa as he covers defensive and midfield positions.

Valverde covers huge distances in every match, presses opponents, recovers the ball and drives Madrid forward.

Currently, Valverde is Real’s second captain after Dani Carvajal, a recognition of the standing he has earned in the dressing room and trust of the coaching staff.

It hasn’t been an easy season for him.

With Carvajal and Alexander-Arnold injured for large parts of the season, the Uruguayan was forced to play at full-back, despite his preference to play centrally in midfield.

“I have played many positions. I always try and give the best of myself and do what the coach asks,” he said on the eve of the City game. “I try and go forward, try and play on the wing, defence. Sometimes I have to do adapt. For me, that’s key.”

However, there’s no doubt Valverde has found brilliant form on the flanks and with Alexander-Arnold and Carvajal returning to the squad, they have linked up exceptionally.

It was ironic he told media on Tuesday he “wanted to keep the fans happy and proud”.