Casemiro praises 'unbelievable' Valverde after breakthrough season | OneFootball

Real Madrid midfielder Casemiro has praised team-mate Federico Valverde following his impressive breakthrough season.

Valverde has made 25 appearances this season, bringing energy and tenacity to an ageing midfield that struggled last term.

And Casemiro believes the 21-year-old is best as a box-to-box midfielder as opposed to a defensive minded player like him.

“I said before that (Federico) Valverde would be one of the best number eights in football in two years,” he told Libero. “I was wrong because he’s achieving it sooner!

“Fede is having a brilliant season and he is one of our most important players. He’s improving after every day, every match.

“For me, he is more of a number eight, not a five. His ability to shoot the ball, his work rate and physicality allow him to be a box to box player, which is unbelievable.

“That doesn’t mean he can’t play as a defensive midfielder – because he can play anywhere – but Fede plays best contributing both offensively and defensively.”

Real Madrid return to domestic action against Levante on Saturday.