Xabi Alonso's managerial appreciation for Valverde mirrors his idol Steven Gerrard's influence and leadership.
  • 433 views
  • 2 min read

Real Madrid's new head coach, Xabi Alonso, is openly expressing his admiration for midfielder Federico Valverde, drawing comparisons between the Uruguayan and Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard. Alonso's appreciation for Valverde extends beyond mere talent; he sees in him the embodiment of qualities he deeply values, mirroring those of his former teammate and role model, Gerrard.

Alonso, who took the reins at Real Madrid recently, has quickly identified Valverde as a key component of his team. Following Real Madrid's 3-1 victory over Pachuca in the FIFA Club World Cup, Alonso lauded Valverde's versatility, physical prowess, and overall impact on the game. "I haven't seen many players with his physical performance," Alonso stated. "He reminds me of someone like Steven Gerrard. He can play anywhere, and I'm very happy to be coaching him. All coaches would like to have a Valverde on the team".

The comparison to Gerrard is particularly significant given Alonso's history with the former Liverpool captain. The pair formed a formidable midfield partnership at Anfield, winning the Champions League in 2005. Alonso has consistently held Gerrard in high regard, recognizing his leadership, technical ability, and unwavering commitment. "Every time I look at him I just see class," Alonso said of Gerrard in 2015. "He's so complete he can score goal he can give assist he can defend he can attack".

Alonso's coaching philosophy emphasizes a blend of control, adaptability, and tactical intelligence. He values players who possess both technical skill and the physical and mental strength to influence all phases of play. This likely explains his appreciation for Valverde, who has demonstrated his ability to perform in various midfield roles, contributing defensively, orchestrating attacks, and even filling in at right-back when needed.

Valverde's versatility is indeed a trait that Alonso seems to cherish. "He can also play wide on the right, he adapts to every position without fuss," Alonso noted. "I'm sure every coach in the world would want a player like Fede Valverde. His determination is incredible". This adaptability aligns perfectly with Alonso's tactical approach, which involves fluid structures, positional rotations, and a focus on both dominating possession and striking effectively in transition.

Beyond his technical and physical attributes, Alonso also recognizes Valverde's leadership potential. Just as Gerrard led by example at Liverpool, Alonso sees Valverde as a player who can motivate and inspire his teammates. "Having Fede makes my job much easier," Alonso said. "He's a fantastic player who gives his all and motivates the rest of the team".

As Alonso embarks on his Real Madrid journey, he aims to instill a new footballing philosophy, characterized by high pressing, defensive discipline, and organized attacking play. Valverde's energy, work rate, and tactical awareness make him an ideal player to implement this vision. Alonso's emphasis on collective movement and understanding of positional roles suggests that Valverde will be crucial in ensuring the team's cohesion and effectiveness in all areas of the pitch.

In essence, Xabi Alonso's admiration for Federico Valverde stems from the player's embodiment of qualities he values most: versatility, physical prowess, tactical intelligence, leadership potential, and unwavering commitment. By comparing Valverde to his idol Steven Gerrard, Alonso is not only highlighting the Uruguayan's current abilities but also expressing his belief in his potential to become a key figure for Real Madrid for years to come.


Writer - Meera Joshi
Meera Joshi, an enthusiastic journalist with a profound passion for sports, is dedicated to shedding light on underreported stories and amplifying diverse voices. A recent media studies graduate, Meera is particularly drawn to cultural reporting and compelling human-interest pieces. She's committed to thorough research and crafting narratives that resonate with readers, eager to make a meaningful impact through her work. Her love for sports also fuels her drive for compelling, impactful storytelling.
Advertisement

Latest Post


Sports  |  Aug 18, 2025
A recent video clip of Philadelphia Flyers' rising star Matvei Michkov expressing his dislike for the "dump and chase" style of hockey has stirred up a playful clash with the team's new head coach, Rick Tocchet. The 20-year-old Michkov, known for his...

Sports  |  Aug 18, 2025
Wayne Rooney has voiced his strong opinions on the persistent issue of racism in football, recounting a distressing experience during his time managing DC United in Major League Soccer. Speaking on his new BBC podcast, "The Wayne Rooney Show," the fo...

World  |  Aug 18, 2025
The Samajwadi Party (SP) is escalating its conflict with the Election Commission of India (ECI), accusing the poll body of inaction regarding alleged voter list irregularities during the 2022 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections. The SP has produced copi...

Sports  |  Aug 18, 2025
The Edmonton Oilers have been actively exploring the European market to bolster their forward depth, particularly after signing David Tomasek. While Tomasek is expected to compete for a spot on the NHL roster, reports indicate that the Oilers also co...

Advertisement
Entertainment  |  Aug 18, 2025
Taylor Swift has once again demonstrated her unparalleled influence in the music industry, this time with the rapid sell-out of the vinyl variants for her upcoming album, "The Life Of A Showgirl". The new variants, unveiled on Monday, August 18th, we...

Technology  |  Aug 18, 2025
Sherrod Brown, who recently served as a United States Senator for Ohio from 2007 to 2025, has announced his candidacy for the 2026 special election in Ohio. Brown, a Democrat, is seeking to reclaim a Senate seat after losing his re-election bid in 20...

World  |  Aug 18, 2025
The Rajya Sabha experienced a day of disruption on Monday as the Opposition staged a walkout over the issue of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar. Despite the turmoil, the government successfully pushed through the India...

World  |  Aug 18, 2025
A controversy has erupted in Assam over a question included in a recent Agricultural Development Officer (ADO) examination regarding the Manipur crisis, specifically concerning the absence of any mention of Kuki militants in the answer choices. The A...

Advertisement

About   •   Terms   •   Privacy
© 2025 DailyDigest360