Federico Valverde earned high praise from Xabi Alonso, who compares the Real Madrid star to Steven Gerrard after a standout Club World Cup display.

Real Madrid’s 2-1 win over Marseille was memorable for 18-year-old Franco Mastantuono, who made his Champions League debut and drew high praise from Federico Valverde. The midfielder called the Argentine wonderkid his 'little brother' and predicted he would score plenty of goals in the famous white shirt after joining from River Plate in the summer.

Manchester United are reportedly willing to sacrifice Kobbie Mainoo in a sensational part-exchange bid for Real Madrid midfielder Federico Valverde. The Red Devils are said to have put €50 million (£44m) on the table alongside the 20-year-old talent, but Los Blancos see the Uruguayan as a cornerstone of their future plans. Amorim, meanwhile, continues to cast doubts on Mainoo’s role.

Real Madrid’s 5-0 Champions League win at Kairat Almaty has been overshadowed by Federico Valverde’s emotional statement addressing reports that he had refused to play. The Uruguayan vice-captain strongly denied suggestions of a rift with Xabi Alonso, insisting he has always given “everything and more” for the club, even while playing through injuries.

Real Madrid head coach Xabi Alonso has stated that Federico Valverde is ready to play against Villarreal and denied that he objected from playing in a defensive role in their latest Champions League fixture. Valverde even penned an emotional statement as a response to such reports that called his commitment into question.