Fede Valverde proves Real Madrid legend Clarence Seedorf’s premonition in post match presser

Real Madrid’s past and the present collided after Los Blancos first leg victory over Manchester City on Wednesday night. Fede Valverde was interviewed by another legend of the club, and Clarence Seedorf didn’t hesitate to put him on par, if not above, another Madridista great.

Kroos’s heir in Madrid midfield

The Uruguayan scored a first half hat trick to give Madrid a resounding win in the first leg, and a fantastic chance to advance to the quarterfinals. It was the first hat trick at the club for “El Halcon” and it comes just days after he scored the game winning goal over Celta in the 94th minute. The club captain has being doing it all at the Bernabeu this season, but we have never seen score like he scored against City.

This may come to a surprise to some but Seedorf, who has worked with Valverde before, could see this coming. “When we worked together, I said something to you,” the former midfielder recalled to Valverde on Prime Video’s postmatch show, “What do you have less than Kroos?! You play in every position on the pitch, and tonight is a reward for everything you’ve done. I wanted to tell you that I have no questions, but I am proud of your journey,” said one midfielder to another.

Kroos famously gave his jersey to Valverde at the Champions League celebration at Cibeles after they won the title in 2024. It was ceremonious gesture as Kroos named his successor in the middle of the park at the Galactico club. He has filled his shoes this season, even though it’s something Valverde never imagined he would be able to do. “He told me that he didn’t believe he could reach Kroos’ level, and I glossed over it by saying that we would talk about it again one day,” recalled Seedorf.

Fede growing as player, father

It has been an interesting season for Valverde to say the least. He spent most of the season at right back filling in for Dani Carvajal and Trent Alexander-Arnold who both went through long spells on the sidelines. He finally got to recover his position as the defenders returned to fitness, and since then he has been a revelation. Manager Alvaro Arbeloa has encouraged him push forward and look for goal scoring chances when he replaced Xabi Alonso. Fede has obliged.

Since the turn of the new year, Valverde has scored six goals and provided eight assists in all compeitions, and says he’s not just improving as a player. “I’m happy and proud. I’ve always dreamed of experiencing moments like this and playing in such important matches,” Valverde said. "But I’m also happy to be the man I’m becoming, to continue growing and improving,even in my role as a father, so that I can tell my children about evenings like this and teach them many things."

Real Madrid have match against Elche this weekend as they looking to keep pace with Barcelona who are four points above them in La Liga. Madrid will turn their attention to the league campaign, knowing the job isn’t done against City but their trip to the Etihad on Tuesday got a little easier thanks to their captain’s hat trick.

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