Federico Valverde embodies everything that a Real Madrid player should be, so says Alvaro Arbeloa, after his hat-trick heroics against Manchester City.
The Uruguayan scored three times in 22 first-half minutes to cap a simply ridiculous performance, leaving Madrid in complete control of their Champions League last-16 tie.
Valverde’s hat-trick was just the fifth scored in the first half of a Champions League knockout stage match, after Lionel Messi (2010 v Arsenal), Robert Lewandowski (2022 v Red Bull Salzburg), Erling Haaland (2023 v RB Leipzig) and Anthony Gordon (this season v Qarabag).
His treble also marked as many goals as he had in 75 appearances in the competition prior to Wednesday's one-man show.
And Madrid boss Arbeloa heaped praise on his versatile star, likening Valverde to late Los Blancos great Juanito.
"It doesn’t matter where you put him, I almost get tired of talking to him," Arbeloa told Movistar+.
"He’s the Juanito of the 21st century. Everything a Real Madrid player should be is Valverde; he deserves a night like this."
Fede Valverde masterclass in Madrid #UCL pic.twitter.com/lGFfoEwbhB
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) March 11, 2026
Valverde started further forward in a right-wing position, helping Arbeloa contend without the injured Kylian Mbappe and highlighting the versatility that has become the norm in his Madrid career.
"We have to treat each other like brothers, defend each other, help each other, watch each other's backs," Valverde told Movistar+.
"You can tell if the team is united; if we work together, we can achieve great things. We were tired in the last few minutes, but the team kept working."
He also became only the second player to score a first-half hat-trick against an English opponent in the Champions League. The other was Messi for Barcelona against Arsenal in April 2010.
"Incredible, you dream of nights like this. Thanks to my team-mates for their trust, to the coaching staff, and to the fans, despite the difficult season," Valverde added.
His first finish also ended a run of 27 Champions League games without a goal, with his previous strike in the competition also coming against Man City at the Santiago Bernabeu in April 2024.
When asked if it was his best performance, Valverde said: "Yes, definitely, especially in terms of goals. I really enjoyed it.
"It had been a long time since I'd enjoyed myself like this. Happy, joyful, for the team's victory."