Real Madrid legend Toni Kroos has singled out Federico Valverde as the indispensable engine behind Los Blancos' pursuit of silverware this season. The retired German maestro believes the Uruguayan has stepped up to 'carry' a star-studded squad featuring the likes of Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr. As the campaign enters its final stretch, Valverde’s leadership and clinical form have placed him at the heart of the club's post-Kroos era.

The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) has officially confirmed a one-match suspension for Federico Valverde following his red card in the Madrid derby. Despite Real Madrid attempting to overturn the decision by arguing he was genuinely challenging for the ball, the ruling stands. The midfielder will miss the upcoming La Liga clash against Mallorca but returns for Girona.

Real Madrid have again criticised the state of refereeing in La Liga after star midfielder Federico Valverde was sent off during Sunday night's 3-2 victory over Atletico Madrid. The Uruguayan was handed a straight red card for a cynical trip on Alex Baena and will now serve a two-game domestic suspension, ruling him out of the upcoming clashes with Mallorca and Girona after the international break.

Vinicius Jr scored twice while Federico Valverde again found the net as Real Madrid saw off Atletico Madrid, 3-2, in a frantic derby on Sunday. At no point was either side truly in control of proceedings, yet Real were clinical at the right moments, and despite finishing the game with 10 men following a red card for Valverde, were good value for a win that keeps them firmly in La Liga's title race.

Following his stellar performance against Manchester City, Federico Valverde has suddenly found himself in the spotlight as never before. The Uruguayan is a worthy successor to Toni Kroos – even if his style of play is quite different.

Real Madrid's former coach Carlo Ancelotti has revealed the light-hearted message he sent to Federico Valverde following the midfielder’s stunning hat-trick against Manchester City. The Uruguayan international produced the performance of a lifetime at the Santiago Bernabeu, single-handedly dismantling the Premier League giants in a sensational first-half display. His treble has put the Spanish giants in a commanding position ahead of the second leg.