Real Madrid star Federico Valverde has opened up on comparisons to Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard.
The Uruguayan joined the La Liga giants in 2018 and has so far made over 150 appearances in all competitions, scoring 10 goals and registering 10 assists. Compatriot and former Red Luis Suarez has previously likened him to Gerrard, saying: “He has similar conditions. A box to box , with a punch, a change of pace, a lot of arrival... I don't want to compare, but the characteristics are similar."
Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti has also backed Valverde to reach similar levels as Gerrard, as he responded to claims they are similar. "Yes, I agree," he said. "He has a lot of Gerrard things in him. It’s very good for him to be compared to a player who has been so successful. I believe that Federico has everything to reach this level and go even higher."
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Valverde says he is flattered by the suggestion he could reach a similar level as Gerrard and beyond, but insists he would like to make an impact of his own.
“It is spectacular that you are compared to such a player, to a star, a world idol, not just from Liverpool," he told Infobae. "It's spectacular, I see characteristics of him, obviously I'm not going to say no, but one always looks out for oneself.
"I also want to leave my name and my mark in the world of football , not only in Madrid but also in the national team . I want to be recognized in many places in the world for the way I play, for my drive to go up, down, score goals from outside the area like Gerrard did, but I also want to leave my mark.
"It's nice because it has to serve as motivation for you to be compared to a player like that, which also serves as pride, that they are seeing things from such an important person in football. So I think it has to help me to continue learning to continue growing."
Valverde played 90 minutes of Madrid's 2-1 victory over Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League earlier this week and is expected to be a key player for Uruguay in the World Cup later this year. He featured alongside Liverpool star Darwin Nunez in their defeat to Iran last month, as well as the victory over Canada.
Speculation this summer saw Valverde tentatively linked with a move to Liverpool, with some reports suggesting the Reds were plotting a 'crazy' offer and he could still be on the radar for future midfield plans.
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