‘Complete midfielder’: Zabaleta wowed by World Cup display of player Arsenal want

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Pablo Zabaleta has labelled Arsenal transfer target Federico Valverde as a ‘complete midfielder’ after he competed for Uruguay at the 2022 FIFA World Cup on Thursday.

The Real Madrid star helped Uruguay secure a clean sheet and point against South Korea and Zabaleta thinks it was a ‘brilliant’ performance from the 24-year-old, as he told Match of the Day.

Not many players are at the top of their game like Valverde is at Real Madrid – and it has resulted in clubs, such as Arsenal, wanting to secure his signature.

With a Champions League medal around his neck, searching for another La Liga title and playing in one of the most exciting teams in Europe, then it’s going to take something beyond special to lure him away from Madrid.

Either way, as Uruguay aim to reach the knockout stages and beyond at the World Cup, former Argentina international Zabaleta, shared his thoughts on Valverde.

“I think Valverde is a good player,” said Zabaleta. “For me, he has been outstanding this season for Real Madrid.

“You can’t give this much space to Valverde in those areas because he has an immense shot from a long distance. Very lucky, to be honest, because it would have been a fantastic goal.

“I have to say. One of the most complete midfielders, at the moment, in world football. He is strong defensively. He has been improving his passing. Creativity. A lot of energy to work hard for the team, so it’s brilliant play from Valverde.”

VALVERDE ONE OF THE BEST IN THE WORLD

That’s the magic of having a manager of Carlo Ancelotti’s ilk in the dugout and on the training pitch because he can get that extra 30-40% out of players.

Rising Brazil star Vinicius Jr has been Ancelotti’s biggest success story given his progression during the last 18 months, but Valverde is now banging that door down.

These are the type of elite players Arsenal want, but in order for them to land on their doorstep, get back into the Champions League and win the title because it will change their fortunes.