Topics: Federico Valverde, Real Madrid, Champions League, Man City
Vinicius Junior asked if teammate Federico Valverde wanted to take the penalty he won during Wednesday night's Champions League clash between Real Madrid and Manchester City.
It was an evening to remember for Valverde, who became the 20th player to earn a 10/10 rating from L'Equipe after scoring a first-half hat-trick against City.
To put his performance into perspective, only two players in Champions League history have scored a first half hat-trick against an English opponent. The other? Lionel Messi against Arsenal in 2010.
"He (Valverde) is undoubtedly the most underrated footballer on the planet," said Trent Alexander-Arnold in his post-match interview. "When you play with him you understand how much he gives to the team."
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Real Madrid will go into next week's second leg with a three-goal advantage, but it could have easily been more.
In the 58th minute, Vinicius Jr had the chance to make it 4-0 from the penalty spot after being brought down by Gianluigi Donnarumma.
Moments after referee Maurizio Mariani pointed to the spot, Vinicius grabbed the ball but instead of heading straight to the 12-yard line, he pointed at Valverde and asked if he wanted to take the penalty.
“Vini Jr asked me if I wanted to take the penalty," Valverde said in his post-match interview with TNT Sports, as per Fabrizio Romano. “Vini is a Real Madrid legend, he’s a great friend. Me and my other teammates told him to take it."
Valverde added: “Vini missed? These things can happen; it’s part of football."
Vinicius failed to extend Madrid's lead, with Donnarumma saving his rather tame effort.
Valverde earned praise from many on Wednesday night, including former Arsenal and Barcelona forward Thierry Henry.
“Fede Valverde always shines. Only thing is that people don’t see that type of shine. People don’t see the players who run," he said on CBS Sports.
“I can assure you, when you’re Trent and someone is defending with you, it’s easier to defend. Not only did he score goals, he always technically shines.
“This is the type of guy who will adapt to any situation. He played right-back, holding midfielder, left-back, under the striker, centre-back. Only goalkeeper is left. You have to give him a lot of credit.”
Henry added: “Fede Valverde was not only Bergkamp today. He was Thuram, Bergkamp, Makélélé. He was everybody."
