Casemiro on Valverde: I said he'll be one of the best in two years' time, I was wrong Real Madrid Uruguayan has impressed this season

Real Madrid midfielder Fede Valverde has become an undisputed starter for Los Blancos this season, with teammate Casemiro already viewing him as one of the best midfielders in the world.

The Brazilian predicted that the 21-year-old was a promising player for the future, but he admits that he was wrong as Valverde has burst onto the scene and become a vital part of Zinedine Zidane's midfield.

"I said he's going to be one of the best No.8s in the world in two years," Casemiro said in an interview with Libero magazine.

"I think I was wrong because he's quickly moving up the ladder.

"He's having an incredible season, he's one of the most important players for us and he's growing in every game.

"He's doing a phenomenal job.

"But he's 21, he has to go easy and we can't put so much pressure on the kid.

"I've been 21 and I know what's going on in his head, but what I like most about him is that he's a quiet person who likes to listen.

"He's shown with all these good games that he's a very important player and he's still just as calm.

"He has the quality to play everywhere in the middle, but his best position is No.8 so that he can be box-to-box. He's more of a No.8 than a No.5 or a No.6.

"That's his great virtue on and off the pitch. It's an honour to play with him.

"Besides, I sit next to him in the dressing room. We talk a lot about football."