Former Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti once tipped Federico Valverde to reach Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard's level. It was a bold claim but one that held merit given the Uruguayan's incredible spell at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Ancelotti didn't just suggest Valverde could reach Gerrard's level but also surpass it. The Italian said back in October 2022 (via Madrid Xtra):
"Fede Valverde has everything to reach Steven Gerrard's level and even higher."
Last night Valverde put in a performance that stunned the footballing world and shocked Manchester City. He scored a first-half hat-trick, the first of his Madrid career in front of a mesmerized Santiago Bernabeu crowd who were in awe of his brilliance.
The Fede Valverde show
Gerrard was a talismanic figure for Liverpool, their guiding light during a difficult period. There were no flaws in his game and that's also the case for Valverde.
Be it in central midfield, right back or on the wing, he is always one of Los Blancos' top performers. But there was something incredibly special last night, the type of display that makes fans realise, this isn't just a talented playmaker, this is one of the very best midfielders to grace the Bernabeu.
Valverde turned into a ruthless number nine for the opener in the 19th minute. He rounded Gianluigi Donnarumma before finding the back of the net from a tight angle.
The second came in the 26th minute and was more reminiscent of Chelsea legend Frank Lampard than of Gerrard. Timing his run perfectly to get on to Vinicius Junior's through ball, taking an exquisite touch and not even needing to look where the goal was to tuck home into the bottom corner with his left foot.
They will be showing highlights of Valverde's third for years to come. Brahim Diaz dinked the ball over Ruben Dias, Valverde's touch took the ball over Marc Guehi and his strike hit the back of the net in the 41st minute.
Federico Valverde vs Man City | Statistic |
|---|---|
Goals: | 3 |
Expected goals (xG): | 1.36 |
Key passes: | 2 |
Total carrying distance: | 136.5m |
Progressive carries: | 2 |
Tackles (won): | 4 (2) |
Ground duels (won): | 13 (8) |
Aerial duels (won): | 5 (3) |
Everything Valverde touched turned to gold and was a night in which many in the footballing world realised the hype was real. Fans who don't watch Spanish football don't see this magician at the peak of his powers regularly but everytime they catch Madrid in action in Europe, he comes out with all the applause.
Gerrard will go down as one of the greatest midfielders in history and undoubtedly was Liverpool's man for the big occasion. But Valverde is shining in a team full of Ballon d'Or worthy candidates and might very well have put himself in contention for that award.