Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti was full of praise for Federico Valverde in his press conference. Despite his limited physical condition, the Uruguayan player put in an incredible performance against Atlético Madrid.
Once again, he proved that he remains the best right-back for Real Madrid in Dani Carvajal’s absence. Having missed the last three matches for Los Blancos due to injury, Federico Valverde made a rushed return on Tuesday night to help against Atlético Madrid. Still not fully recovered from his adductor issue, the 26-year-old midfielder had to grit his teeth to step in during this first-leg clash of the Champions League Round of 16. With his well-timed defensive interventions, Fede saved Carlo Ancelotti’s team on multiple occasions.
Ancelotti bows to Valverde
At the end of the match, in which he provided a stunning assist to Rodrygo Goes in the 4th minute, Federico Valverde received praise from all quarters. Everyone agrees that he remains the best defensive asset to compensate for the gap left by Lucas Vazquez in the lineup. The Uruguay national team captain earned high praise from his manager. Speaking to the press after the match, Carlo Ancelotti admitted he was stunned by the number 8’s performance. “I have no more words for him. He made a fantastic effort. He was very tired, but that’s it. He was happy to be back and contributed a lot to the team,” he said.
This is undoubtedly proof that the right-back position should be filled by the midfielder in big matches if Real Madrid want to give themselves a chance to shine at the end of the season. With just a few days left before the second leg, Federico Valverde will have to grit his teeth once again to play in the return match, which will take place at the Civitas Metropolitano next Wednesday. Substituted in the 70th minute after feeling pain following a defensive challenge, as reported by Relevo, the 26-year-old will undergo intensive treatment to give himself a chance of returning stronger next week.
The two standout Madrid players, according to Ancelotti
Meanwhile, before praising Valverde, Carlo Ancelotti named the two best Real Madrid players in the match against Atlético Madrid. As reported by Realdemadrid in their player ratings, the 65-year-old coach lauded the performances of two underrated attacking players.
“Today, the team ran and worked hard, and two of them made the difference: Rodrygo and Brahim. They were the best because they worked hard and contributed a lot to the team, which was well-organised and compact. We didn’t press much, but that wasn’t the plan. Atlético controlled the game at certain moments, and at others, we did. They didn’t create many chances,” Ancelotti stated.
In any case, Brahim Diaz is savouring his fine performance. He even took a swipe at Diego Simeone, the Colchoneros’ coach, who had shown him little respect before the match.
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