Right foot, left foot, then a perfect volley. It may not be a classic textbook hat-trick, but Federico Valverde created an even more impressive performance.
The Uruguayan midfielder became Real Madrid's hero in the 3-0 victory over Manchester City - one of the most memorable performances in the Champions League this season.
Before the match, many people thought this was an opportunity for Pep Guardiola's Man City to assert their strength when Real Madrid lacked two pillars Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham due to injury. However, the Royal team once again showed that they are never weaker in the European arena.
Valverde had an excellent match at the Bernabeu. After the match, he humbly praised his teammates and coaching staff, emphasizing that favorable passes helped him score. But that humility is hard to fully describe the stature of the performance he created.
The opening goal came from a perfect control after a long pass from Thibaut Courtois, before Valverde calmly passed Gianluigi Donnarumma. The second goal showed intelligent movement and a shot with his unfavorable foot. The third goal was truly a classy moment when he overcame marking, lobbed the ball over Marc Guehi's head and then shot low dangerously into the far corner.
This is only the fifth hat-trick in the first half in the Champions League knockout matches and the first time a player has scored a hat-trick against an English team in the knockout round since Lionel Messi did it against Arsenal 16 years ago.
What makes Valverde's performance special is that he is not a player who specializes in scoring goals. Before this match, the Uruguayan midfielder only scored 3 goals in 75 appearances in the Champions League for Real Madrid.
Not only shining in attack, Valverde also made a great contribution in defense. He made four tackles - the most on the field - twice as many as any player who has ever scored a hat-trick in the Champions League in the past decade.
At many times, Valverde retreated deep to support defense, even taking on the role of full-back when his teammates pushed up. Versatiality, abundant energy and persistent fighting spirit helped him become one of the players most loved by his teammates and Real Madrid fans.
Trent Alexander-Arnold after the match gave special compliments to his teammate: "I almost have no words to describe him. Valverde can do everything on the field and is one of the best midfielders in the world".
Valverde once won the Champions League when playing in many different positions, from winger, central midfielder to right-back. Thanks to his physical strength and strong fighting spirit, he can adapt to any role that the team requires.
Coach Alvaro Arbeloa even compared Valverde to the legend Juanito - a symbol of Real Madrid's fighting spirit. He said: "Valverde is Juanito of the 21st century. He possesses all the qualities that a Real Madrid player needs to have".
At the age of 27, Valverde is entering the peak of his career. And in the context of Real Madrid lacking many stars, his brilliant performance against Man City shows that he deserves to be recognized as one of the most important pillars of the Royal team.
