El Clasico latest: Real Madrid defender Federico Valverde ready for ‘must win’ clash with Barcelona if Julen Lopetegui comes calling
Fresh from making his competitive debut for Real Madrid this week, Federico Valverde is hoping to have done enough to be involved in Sunday’s ‘must win’ meeting with arch rivals Barcelona in El Clasico.
The 20-year-old Uruguayan came on as a second half substitute in the 2-1 victory overt Viktoria Plzen in the Champions League on Tuesday night'.
Valverde, a product of Real’s youth academy, is ready for the call should it present itself from under fire boss Julen Lopetegui.
"I'm happy at having made by debut,” he said in an interview on Real Madrid’s official website. “We got the win, which was important, and coming on and being involved in the goal is a bonus".
"We've beaten a side that also like to play and have their strengths, that's why there are times when things don't work out perfectly. The gaffer asked me to help the team out in defence and be another body in attack.
“Sometimes you can't win games 4-0, but the important thing is that we got the three points ahead of what's the most special game of all. Next Sunday we have a very tough game, it's a Clasico that everyone wants to be involved in and we have to win it".
“The coach helps and advises us, and we support his decisions. We are united and if we don’t get a result it's partly down to our oppositions’ quality.
