“Most underrated on the planet”: Alexander-Arnold lauds flawless Valverde after historic hat-trick vs Manchester City | OneFootball

Trent Alexander-Arnold has said there are no flaws in the game of Real Madrid teammate Federico Valverde.

Valverde scored a first-half hat-trick as Real Madrid beatManchester City 3-0 in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie on Wednesday night.

It was just the second time a player had scored aChampions League hat-trick against a Premier League club before half-time. The only previous player to achieve the feat was Lionel Messi, who did so against Arsenal in 2010.

The treble was also the first of Valverde's career but Alexander-Arnold is in no doubt that the Uruguayan has long been one of the world's best.

Discussing the 27-year-old, he said Valverde belongs among the 'top tier of midfielders on the planet' and believes he does not receive the recognition he deserves.

"I sang his praises a few weeks ago but, again, I'm running out of words to describe him," Alexander-Arnold toldCBS Sports.

"He's the most underrated footballer on the planet and has been for years. Even when I wasn't here, I've admired his game so much because there's no flaw in it. There's nothing he can't do.

"The energy and what he brings to the team is absolutely immense. He never moans, he gets on with the game and he pushes himself to the limit, game in, game out. It's an incredible trait to have.

"Whether people agree or not, he's definitely in the top tier of midfielders on the planet, and has been for years."

Real Madrid head coach Alvaro Arbeloa was similarly full of praise for Valverde's performance. He said the vice-captain epitomises 'everything a Real Madrid player should be'.

"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."