Fede Valverde's response to the comparison with Gerrard: 'It has me...'

Xabi Alonso achieved his first victory as Real Madrid's coach. It was against Pachuca from Mexico in a match that became very complicated early on after Raúl Asencio was sent off in the seventh minute. However, goals from Bellingham, Güler, and Fede Valverde helped solve the situation and put the club at the top of the standings.

After the match, Xabi Alonso appeared before the media. In one of his answers, the Basque coach made a comparison that caught the attention of all Madridists. The coach compared Fede Valverde to Steven Gerrard, the Liverpool legend whom the coach actually knows very well after having played alongside him.

Xabi Alonso's words about Fede Valverde

"He reminds me of a Steven Gerrard type, who covers so much ground, who accelerates and makes 30 or 40 meter (98 or 131 ft.) runs. He has an unbelievable shot, arrives very well from the second line. If you tell him he has to play on the right, he plays on the right, and the same goes for playing in the center," said Xabi Alonso.

"I'm very happy to coach him because I think all coaches would like to have a Fede Valverde on the team," explained Xabi Alonso when asked about the Uruguayan.

Without a doubt, these are great words from Xabi Alonso as he puts him on the level of one of the best midfielders Liverpool has ever had in its history. This comparison also reached Fede Valverde, who reacted with astonishment.

Fede Valverde's response after Xabi Alonso's comment

Fede Valverde spoke with "Real Madrid TV" in recent hours to analyze Real Madrid's participation in the Club World Cup. The club could qualify as group leader if it beats RB Salzburg in the final matchday. In addition, the midfielder was asked about Xabi Alonso's words.

"It's an honor that Xabi says those words about me, it has to help me keep working and be an example for all my teammates. I have to be an example of hard work, effort, and always be available to everyone," concluded Fede Valverde.