Fede Valverde backs Real Madrid rising star for future captaincy: “Will mark an era at the club”

Real Madrid will be aiming to register their second win of the 2023/24 UEFA Champions League when they face Napoli tonight.

The Merengues head into the game at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on the back of a convincing 3-0 win over Girona.

Having beaten Las Palmas and Girona in La Liga in their last two matches, Real Madrid will be eager to build on that run and return with three points from Italy.

On the eve of the game, midfielder Federico Valverde appeared alongside Carlo Ancelotti for the pre-match press conference and went on to discuss a variety of topics, including his situation and that of Luka Modric.

"It’s very important to continue on the winning track in the Champions League against a storied rival. We are excited and we want to continue on our way to go to the international break in the best possible way," Valverde stated.

The Uruguayan international had to deal with some personal problems over the past year and when asked about how he coped with the situation, he replied:

"Personally, I will not remember it because they are hard times. I don’t wish them on anyone and they are not nice to go through. They are things in life, they put obstacles in your way but you have to try to be as positive as possible. I tried to focus on the World Cup and Madrid."

"We won the Copa del Rey… It made me forget all the bad things. It made me mature as a person. There are times when you don’t expect something so bad to happen but you have to get through it and be together with the people close to you."

Valverde was also asked to comment on the situation of veteran midfielder Luka Modric, whose game time has taken a big hit during the ongoing campaign. But the Uruguayan international insisted that the midfield icon remains an example for everyone, saying:

"He’s the same as always. He’s Luka Modric, for me he’s been a point of reference since day one and he still is. Even if he doesn’t get the minutes he wants or needs. He has never put on a bad face and that speaks very well of him as a player and a person."

"He’s the most competitive player I’ve ever seen, he’s a warrior. He is to be admired. He continues to make history. He is an example for everyone, especially for the youngsters. We have to keep learning until the last day and keep enjoying him."

For a long while now, it has been touted that Valverde is seen as a future Real Madrid captain and the midfielder confirmed that he harbours ambitions to lead the team, as he said:

"Yes, obviously. It’s been a dream since I signed for Madrid. To be able to be that image and example for many people in the world. To be like Carvajal, Modric, Toni…. We look at them to see what they do. It was one of the most beautiful things that happened in my life in Uruguay and I would love to be one here."

Real Madrid boasts one of the most complete midfield departments in the game currently and when asked if it was the best in the world, Valverde said:

"I think each player has his own qualities and they are some of the best in the world. In the end, every player tries to give their best every day and that helps the rest of us to keep growing."

"Whoever gets their turn will always do their best and it’s a very healthy competition that makes the club grow. I think we’re going to be a very difficult team to beat."

On the impact of Jude Bellingham and how he has settled in at the club, Valverde said that the midfielder has every attribute needed to become a global superstar.

"World stars are the players who are destined to make a mark wherever they are. Jude has the same characteristics. He’s been playing for a good team for many years but Real Madrid is another step up and he’s dealing with it in an incredible way," he said.

"He looks like a mature player who has been playing here for many years. We know what a great footballer he is but as a person he is special. He is a good teammate and has a very good head. He can surely become a captain who will mark an era at Real Madrid."

When asked about how difficult it is to play in midfield and how he is finding it in the new system that Carlo Ancelotti has used this season, he said:

"From the first day I arrived the midfield was incredible. I thought it was the best midfield in the history of football. I tried to learn a lot from all of them."

"I had the opportunity to see him with Casemiro, who fed me a lot of things. It’s very difficult to play here, there are the best in the world. Today I’m playing and I have to appreciate that. I will try to teach the young players what they taught me when I arrived."

Talking about his role in the new formation, he added: "I’m not struggling to adapt. I feel better than ever. Playing every game shows that I’m doing things right."

"Obviously when you’re used to the 4-3-3 you try to adapt and keep learning. With a coach like that you have to listen to him and admire him. Personally I think I’m doing well. I’m still growing and learning."