Real Madrid Midfielder signed from Penarol in 2015

Midfielder was one of Castilla's most important players

Uruguay reaching the semi-finals of the Under-20 World Cup in South Korea owed much to Real Madrid youngster Federico Valverde and Los Blancos' belief in the midfielder was justified over the tournament.

Finishing fourth after penalty shootout defeats to Venezuela and Italy, Valverde secured the Silver Ball award as the World Cup's second best player, behind Dom Solanke of champions England.

Real paid Penarol 5 million euros for the youngster in May 2015 and after his arrival 12 months later, Valverde was slotted into the Castilla team where coach Santiago Solari converted him from a wide midfielder to a defensive anchor man.

Expectations were that he will continue in the reserve side at Segunda B level next season but now there are thoughts that he should be playing against better opponents, with several LaLiga clubs considering a loan bid.

With pace and power that allows him to cover ground and gather great momentum in the centre of the park, Valverde could eventually become a first-team alternative to Casemiro and Madrid target that eventual step up for the 18-year-old, who also interested Arsenal, Manchester United and Barcelona when picking Los Merengues for his European move.