Real Madrid star Trent Alexander-Arnold called Fede Valverde ‘the most underrated player on the planet’ after the Uruguayan’s heroics in his team’s 3-0 win over Manchester City on Wednesday.
Valverde gave in his career-best performance against the English side, scoring a hat-trick while also having countless defensive interventions on the other end to make sure the home side goes into the second leg with a three-goal advantage.
Speaking about the player’s quality, Trent said: “Fede Valverde is the most underrated player on the planet. He never lets us down, he’s always there. No words for him left. Even when I was at Liverpool, I admired him.”
Trent was asked about the expectations at Real Madrid, and the mentality with which they go up against opponents in this competition, to which he gave a very interesting answer.
He said: “When there’s so much hype about a game, playing for Real Madrid, there are no excuses. We have to win, we have to win the competition. No matter who’s in front of us.
“A lot of people expected us to get battered tonight, but we showed our mentality. No matter the injuries, this competition means a lot to the club and to our fans. We did the game plan perfectly.
“It’s knockout football in the Champions League, anyone can beat anyone, no matter the form.”
Finally, Trent talked about his start at the club, discussing injuries as well as the continuity he has had with the team since.
He said: “Well, a couple of injuries, but since I found my fitness… I’m loving it here and I’ve loved it since the first minute. It’s a dream come true. I’m trying to adapt the best I can.”