Fede Valverde goes from strength to strength Real Madrid Top performance against Galatasaray

It was another stellar midfield display from Fede Valverde against Galatasaray in the Champions League on Tuesday night.

The Uruguayan midfielder has gone from strength to strength under Zinedine Zidane and his latest performance in Istanbul further demonstrated his maturity beyond his age.

The 21-year-old regained possession for his team on seven occasions and made 35 successful passes out of the 44 attempted.

Valverde covers lots of ground and helps the team to transition from defence to attack thanks to his pace and understanding of the game.

Valverde's heat map against Galatasaray

His progress has not gone unnoticed from his coach, who has started him in four of the last six matches with great results to boot.

With Valverde in the starting line-up, Real Madrid defeated Osasuna, drew away at Atletico Madrid, and won against Granada and Galatasaray.

He played, but did not start, in the defeat at Real Mallorca where Los Blancos missed his energy and his endeavour as Zidane sought to protect him after playing twice for Uruguay in Peru.

From now on, however, it is difficult to see how Zidane can leave him out of the side and, if the Clasico had taken place this weekend, he would be one of the first names on the team sheet.