Trent: “Fede Valverde is the most underrated player on the planet”

Madrid—Real Madrid full-back Trent Alexander-Arnold has labelled team-mate Fede Valverde “the most underrated player on the planet” after the Uruguayan’s match-winning display in Wednesday’s 3-0 Champions League victory over Manchester City.

Valverde delivered the finest performance of his career at the Bernabéu, scoring a hat-trick and contributing a string of decisive defensive actions to give the Spanish giants a commanding three-goal cushion ahead of the second leg.

Speaking in the mixed zone, Alexander-Arnold was effusive in his praise: “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.”

The England international, who joined Madrid this season, also addressed the pressure that accompanies playing for the 14-time European champions. “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,” he said.

Wednesday’s result came amid widespread predictions of a City triumph, but Alexander-Arnold believes the outcome underlined the club’s relentless mentality. “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,” he added.

The defender also reflected on his own start to life in the Spanish capital, acknowledging a brief spell on the sidelines. “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,” he said.

With the tie still alive, both Valverde and Alexander-Arnold will hope to carry their form into the return leg as Madrid chase another continental crown.