Real Madrid captain Federico Valverde earned huge praise from his club's fans for his performance in their 2-1 UEFA Champions League win over Inter Milan.
The Uruguay international, who started alongside Trent Alexander-Arnold in midfield, was the only fully-fit senior midfielder available to Jose Mourinho for the game against the Italian champions. He has appeared in every one of Los Blancos' La Liga games this season, providing an assist in their win over Real Sociedad.
Valverde continued in midfield as Mourinho sought a response from his side after their disappointing showing at the weekend, and he delivered a fine performance. The 28-year-old was among the goals on the night, netting his fourth goal in his last five appearances in the competition.
Valverde Pounces on Goalkeeper Error to Open 2026-27 Account
Real Madrid were 1-0 up in the first half through a Kylian Mbappe strike when Federico Valverde added his name to the scoresheet.
The Uruguay international showed off his relentless pressing attribute to chase after the ball following a back pass from Benjamin Pavard to goalkeeper Josep Martinez.
He caught up as the goalkeeper took too long to clear his lines and stole the ball off him before slotting it into the back of the net to double his side's lead in the 23rd minute.
Valverde enjoyed a fine game in midfield, completing 97% of his attempted passes and winning 100% of his ground duels.
He also registered three tackles, a clearance, and an interception, and had 51 touches of the ball in an all-action display against the Serie A giants.
Real Madrid Fans Hail Valverde for Impressive Outing
On social media, Real Madrid fans were full of praise for their captain after his performance against Inter Milan.
Valverde was one of the players who was criticised in the aftermath of the defeat to Real Betis in La Liga, and responded with a fine display against the Italian side.
One fan praised him for being perfect in three key metrics in the first half of the game. "100% across passes, duels, and shots in a half is virtually unheard of. Valverde's engine is different."
Another fan attributed their goals to the high press they put on during the game, singling out Valverde for praise. "Real Madrid press very high up the pitch twice and score twice! Fede Valverde deserved that goal for the work he put it."
A fan expressed their delight at the versatility of the Uruguayan and lauded him for his relentless pressing. "FEDE VALVERDE WHAT A PRESSING MANNNNNN. RB, DM, CM, RM, RW. No problem."
Another pointed to the goal he scored as a result of his anticipation and hard work. "Federico Valverde anticipated the pass going back to Inter's goalkeeper and run all the way from outside the box to contest the ball. What a hard-worked goal."
A fan praised him specially for his work out of possession for his side in the game. "Valverde insane this game, especially off the ball."
Jose Mourinho's side had just over 35% of the ball in the game against the Serie A side but created twice as many chances (eight to four) and registered more shots on target.
They have managed to end Inter Milan's 20-game unbeaten run and recover from their disappointment of losing to Real Betis last time out.
