Fede Valverde is often compared to Steven Gerrard, a sentiment echoed by Xabi Alonso. Alonso noted Valverde's impressive physicality and expressed enthusiasm about coaching him, stating that every manager wants a player like him. Valverde, who is 26, has long been seen to possess qualities reminiscent of Gerrard. Carlo Ancelotti has described him as crucial to the team's structure. Valverde epitomizes a skilled player who can fill various roles, similar to how Gerrard balanced his play with teammates, emphasizing the need for a cohesive team dynamic.
Valverde is the player to whom Toni Kroos gave his No 8 shirt and that Carlo Ancelotti described as the most important in the team, a man whose only flaw was that he was too humble.
Xabi Alonso said that the Uruguayan reminded him of his former partner in the Liverpool midfield. I haven't seen many players with his physical performance. I'm very happy to be coaching him.
There was always something special between Alonso and Gerrard, who described the Spaniard as pure quality, a class act on the pitch and a gentlemen off it, and was devastated at his departure.
Alonso builds a new Madrid, a structure and system to make sense of it all, and the early signs are that Valverde may be more Gerrard than ever, guided by a manager and former player who grasps that better than anyone.
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