Trent Alexander-Arnold has waxed lyrical about Real Madrid's man of the moment Federico Valverde by branding him the most underrated player in world football. The Uruguayan midfielder was man of the match in tonight's 3-0 win over Manchester City in the Champions League.
Alvaro Arbeloa's men took full advantage of their Round of 16 tie against City and against the odds. They were simply outstanding and Valverde produced a magical European display.
Valverde bagged himself a hat-trick, with the third being the pick of the bunch. He wasn't just effective going forward but Madrid's captain was also excellent defensively, putting out fires and helping Alexander-Arnold out on the right flank.
Trent makes massive Valverde claim
Alexander-Arnold was wowed by his teammate's display and lavished praise on him following the game. The former Liverpool defender said on TNT Sports:
"Undoubtedly the most underrated player on the planet. When you play with him you see what he gives to the team. He covers every blade of grass."
Along with his hat-trick, Valverde also made two key passes, completed four of seven dribble attempts and won two of four tackles. It was one of the best performances from a Los Blancos player in Champions League history.
The 27-year-old is proving to be one of the best midfielders to have graced the Bernabeu and nights like tonight prove it. The job isn't fully done yet but if Arbeloa's skipper replicates such a performance at the Etihad it should lead the team to the quarter-finals.
Humble Valverde
In typical Valverde fashion the Uruguayan gloated about his teammates rather than himself in his post-match interview. He was asked about his hat-trick heroics and responded by thanking those who assisted him.
Valverde said (via Madrid Xtra):
“Arbeloa asks me to arrive from the second line and attack. My teammates gave me incredible balls. We trained a lot on their pressure from goal kicks, and we made good use of it.”
Valverde has now bagged six goals and 12 assists in 39 games across competitions this season. Tonight was the first game he was on the scoresheet in the Champions League and he marked the occasion with three stunning strikes.
The Uruguayan thrives in any position asked of him, including at right-back where he has been used regularly this season. He is starting to truly crown himself as one of the very best midfield talents in world football.