Alexander-Arnold: Valverde the most underrated player in world football

Trent Alexander-Arnold lauded a “massive performance” from Real Madrid against Manchester City, labelling Federico Valverde as the world’s most underrated player.

Madrid claimed a brilliant 3-0 win over Man City in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie, on the back of Valverde’s stunning first-half hat-trick, although Vinicius Junior saw a penalty saved by Gianluigi Donnarumma.

Valverde’s goals came in the space of 22 minutes, with the Uruguayan’s third strike being the pick of the bunch, as he lifted a delicate touch over Marc Guehi before volleying in from close range.

Madrid’s captain on the night led Los Blancos for shots (three), chances created (two, alongside Vinicius), dribbles (seven) and duels (17), with Valverde winning four and 11 of those, respectively.

Alexander-Arnold played behind Valverde on the right flank, and he could not praise the midfielder enough.

“I am running out of words for him as a player,” Alexander-Arnold told TNT Sports.

“He is undoubtedly the most underrated footballer on the planet.

“When you play with him you understand how much he gives to the team. He covers every blade of grass and gives his all.

“As a player, the best attribute you can have is that your team-mates can always count on you and he never lets us down.”

@fedeevalverde matches a very special Pirri record:
the only two Real Madrid midfielders to score a ‘hat-trick’ in Europe pic.twitter.com/gKEY3DbrCz

— Real Madrid C.F.