Federico Valverde(Image: (Dennis Agyeman/Europa Press via Getty Images))
Liverpool have been told why they should make a move for Real Madrid star Federico Valverde this summer. The Uruguayan moved to the Santiago Bernabeu from Club Atletico Penarol back in the summer of 2017.
Since then, the 27-year-old has gone on to win three La Ligas, two Champions Leagues and one Copa del Rey with the Spanish giants.
And even though Valverde has given no indication that he wants to leave the Spanish capital this summer, former Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Gus Poyet would love to see the Reds make a move for the midfielder, as he believes he would be the perfect partner for Alexis Mac Allister.
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“I would love to see Federico Valverde play in England,” he told Betwright. “Since Fabinho left Liverpool, they’ve lacked a world-class box-to-box midfielder.
“Alexis Mac Allister has shown his class this season, but he could use some defensive reinforcement alongside him and someone who can change the game at both ends of the pitch.
“Valverde operates all over the pitch, can run for 90 minutes and has great ball distribution.
“It would be difficult for Liverpool to prise Valverde away from Real Madrid; he came through their second team and has risen through the ranks to become the brilliant player that he is now.
“Whether they could offer him an attractive enough deal to come to England, I’m not sure, but Liverpool need a ‘Makelele-style’ player who can strengthen their core and Valverde could be a great fit.”
Speaking during the summer, then Real head coach Xabi Alonso claimed Valverde was just like his former Liverpool team-mate Steven Gerrard.
“I see Fede in many places, like I did with Steven,” the Kop icon said. “But given the shape we have and the balance we need, starting from that slightly deeper position, from the second line, that double No 6, he can arrive [in the other area].
“He has that ability to accelerate through, to go through lines very easily and in 30 metres, be there [in shooting positions].
“We are using him in that position and it’s working well. We know his qualities, we know that his best virtue is not receiving back to goal and turning but to see the game in front of him and, starting from a bit deeper [than a forward], arrive.
“He has scored twice and he has that ability to accelerate and get close to the area.”
