Trent Alexander-Arnold Hails Real Madrid's Fede Valverde as 'Most Underrated Player'

Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold has lauded Real Madrid midfielder Fede Valverde as the most underrated player in the game. His comments follow Valverde's outstanding display, which included an incredible hat-trick against Manchester City in the Champions League Round of 16 first leg, alongside an exceptional overall performance.

Valverde's remarkable week also saw him score a late winner against Celta Vigo in La Liga just days prior, helping Real Madrid maintain their challenge for the title. After spending considerable time at right-back over the past two seasons, Valverde has recently returned to his preferred and most successful role in right midfield, where he has consistently shined.

Alexander-Arnold: 'Everyone Thought We'd Get Battered'

Speaking to TNT Sports, Alexander-Arnold reflected on the expectations surrounding Real Madrid's clash with Manchester City. "A lot of people, when the draw happened, and in the lead up to this game, especially the way we've been playing, a lot of people expected us to get battered tonight," he stated. He emphasized that regardless of injuries or specific players, the team's mentality and the deep significance of the Champions League to the club were crucial. "It shows you that regardless of the injuries, what players are playing, the mentality. This competition means a lot to this club, and we understand that, we go out there and they support us like that, and we executed the gameplan perfectly in the first half."

Alexander-Arnold acknowledged the perception of City as favorites based on recent results and team form. "People will say they’re favourites, based on the results, and the way the two teams have been playing, and it could be true. But this is knockout football in the Champions League, anyone can beat anyone. Coming into this, we had a gameplan and we scored a lot of goals.”

'Other Games Are Less Important, But…'

When questioned about the shift in performance compared to Real Madrid's recent league defeat against Getafe, Alexander-Arnold highlighted the motivating factor of high-stakes matches. “I think the size of the game… I don’t want to say that other games are less important. But when there’s so many eyes on the game, and so much hype, you need to perform as a player. Especially when you play for a club like this, there’s no excuses, you have to win. So our mentality is to go all the way and win the competition. No matter who is in front of us, we want to win.”

'Valverde Is the Most Underrated Player on the Planet'

The central point of Alexander-Arnold's commentary was his fervent praise for Fede Valverde. "I sang his praises a few weeks ago, but again, running out of words to describe him," he enthused. Alexander-Arnold firmly believes Valverde is "the most underrated footballer on the planet, and has been for years." He noted that he has always admired Valverde's game, citing a lack of flaws. "There’s nothing he can’t do, the energy, is absolutely immense. He never moans, gets on with the game, he pushes himself to the limit game after the game, and it’s an amazing trait to have." He concluded by stating, “Whether people agree or not, he’s definitely in the top tier of midfielders on the planet, and has been for years.”