Former Real Madrid manager, Zinedine Zidane, has openly expressed his delight regarding midfielder Federico Valverde, especially after his remarkable hat-trick against Manchester City.
The Uruguayan international was the star of the show, netting all three goals for Los Blancos, which led to a decisive 3-0 victory over the English team in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League Round of 16.
Club legend Zidane was present at the Bernabeu, witnessing Valverde’s standout performance in the crucial match. When asked for his thoughts after the game, he conveyed his happiness for the 27-year-old midfielder following his impressive goalscoring display.
“I am very pleased for Valverde,” he remarked (via @MadridXtra on X). Federico Valverde proudly donned the Real Madrid captain’s armband and rose to the occasion, particularly in the absence of top scorer Kylian Mbappe, who is currently sidelined due to injury.
The midfielder showcased three precise finishes that would have undoubtedly made Mbappe, or any other seasoned forward, proud, ultimately securing the win for his team.
Valverde initially joined Los Blancos in 2016 and made his senior debut two years later, having progressed through the youth ranks and spent time on loan.
He solidified his place as a regular in the first team under Zidane’s management in 2019, during the Frenchman’s second tenure with the Spanish club.
Before this encounter with Manchester City, Federico Valverde had only managed to score three Champions League goals in his previous 75 appearances in the tournament.
Astonishingly, his hat-trick in this single match equaled that entire career total in just 45 minutes of play at the Bernabeu.
