‘One of the best players in Europe’: David Villa lauds star who Arsenal want

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David Villa says Arsenal transfer target and Real Madrid midfielder Federico Valverde is ‘one of the best players in Europe’ right now.

The Barcelona legend added that the Uruguay star is a ‘huge talent’ that has impressed him at the Qatar World Cup, as he told beIN SPORTS (28/11/22 at 6:55 pm).

Last season, Valverde assisted only two goals for Carlo Ancelotti’s side, but one of the assists will live long in the memory of the European giants because it came on the biggest domestic stage of them all.

On the grand old stage of the Champions League final in Paris, Valverde picked up the ball on Real Madrid’s right flank, he then fired the ball across the ground with utter precision to Vinicius Jr at the far post, as the La Liga giants beat Liverpool on Europe’s biggest stage once more.

That moment has catapulted the 24-year-old’s game because he is receiving serious praise from across Europe, including Arsenal scouts being blown away by the player.

Whilst he remains a dream signing for Mikel Arteta’s top-topping side in England’s top-flight, former Spain international David Villa spoke highly about the growing star.

“Federico Valverde is a huge talent and an amazing player,” said Villa. “He is right now one of the best players in Europe playing with Real Madrid.

“The other day, I feel Valverde was very far away from the other goal. He’s a talented player. He is a defensive player. But he’s great when is close to the (opposition’s) box.”

For the past two seasons in Madrid colours, Valverde had three goals and three assists to his name, but now his numbers are going through the roof.

Already this season, he has eight goals and four assists in all competitions, as Real Madrid chase yet another La Liga title and a possible 15th European crown.

That’s Carlo Ancelotti magic for you because he has played a big part in Karim Benzema winning the Ballon d’Or, Vinicius Jr becoming one of the most dangerous forwards in the world and now Valverde being an all-rounded player in the middle of the park.