Uruguay’s Valverde emerges as Madrid scorer before World Cup
BARCELONA, Spain, Nov 3, (AP): With the World Cup less than three weeks away, Uruguay midfielder Federico Valverde is blossoming into a potent scoring threat for Spanish leader Real Madrid.
The 24-year-old Valverde has long been valued for his hustle as a box-to-box midfielder who excels in his ability to launch counterattacks with his dribbling speed. But he has emerged as the breakout player in Spain this season thanks to his newly discovered knack for scoring goals, particularly with a sizzling strike from long range.
Valverde has scored eight times in 18 appearances for Madrid this season, second only to Vinícius Júnior’s team-high 10 goals. And he is only getting better with the World Cup approaching, netting four goals and making two assists in his last five games.
The midfielder will likely get another chance on Monday when Madrid, holding a one-point lead over Barcelona at the top of the Spanish league, plays a derby at Rayo Vallecano. There will then be one more set of league matches before play pauses for the World Cup in Qatar.
Valverde’s recent goals have coincided with the absence of France forward Karim Benzema, who has taken some time off to recover from what Madrid says is “muscle fatigue.”
Speaking about Valverde and fellow youngsters Vinícius and Rodrygo, Madrid coach
SOCCER
Carlo Ancelotti said “they have no limits.”
“Not having Karim has added more responsibility to everyone’s game, especially the forwards. They’ve shouldered this responsibility and they’re delivering,” Ancelotti said. ”(Valverde) got such a good shot on him. He’s capable of scoring many more.”
Valverde had mostly played as an interior midfielder, but he is now flourishing in a more attacking role as well. He has scored with powerful shots from outside the area in recent wins over Barcelona, Sevilla, and, most recently, Wednesday’s 5-1 rout of Celtic to secure first place in Group F of the Champions League.