Valverde is not always the headline act for Real Madrid, but unquestionably one of the team’s most versatile and reliable players. On Wednesday night, he deservedly took the headlines.
This isn’t the first time he’s stepped up in big moments either.
Last Friday, in Real’s La Liga fixture at Celta Vigo, with the game at 1-1, he claimed a 94th-minute winner to keep their title hopes alive.
In the 39 games he’s played this season, he’s started 37, with his versatility impressing boss Alvaro Arbeloa as he covers defensive and midfield positions.
Valverde covers huge distances in every match, presses opponents, recovers the ball and drives Madrid forward.
Currently, Valverde is Real’s second captain after Dani Carvajal, a recognition of the standing he has earned in the dressing room and trust of the coaching staff.
It hasn’t been an easy season for him.
With Carvajal and Alexander-Arnold injured for large parts of the season, the Uruguayan was forced to play at full-back, despite his preference to play centrally in midfield.
“I have played many positions. I always try and give the best of myself and do what the coach asks,” he said on the eve of the City game. “I try and go forward, try and play on the wing, defence. Sometimes I have to do adapt. For me, that’s key.”
However, there’s no doubt Valverde has found brilliant form on the flanks and with Alexander-Arnold and Carvajal returning to the squad, they have linked up exceptionally.
It was ironic he told media on Tuesday he “wanted to keep the fans happy and proud”.
A first senior hat-trick to put Los Blancos a massive step closer to the quarter-finals will certainly have done that.
